Dental Braces
Dental braces help to give you a straight, beautiful smile and can be used to correct a number of common imperfections and conditions including:
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Misaligned bite
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
To determine whether dental braces are right for you, we will first examine your oral health and the condition of your teeth. During your consultation, we will discuss all treatment options with you to help you make the best decision for your unique needs. Using impressions, x-rays, and photos of your teeth, we can get a detailed look at your smile and use this information to determine if dental braces are right for you.
How Dental Braces Work
Braces apply continuous pressure, slowly shifting teeth for a straight, beautiful smile.
Braces consist of several parts including wires, bands, and brackets. The arrangement of these parts depends on the problems being corrected. Just as every smile is different, every treatment plan is unique to the patient. Other components of braces may include:
- Spacers: Spacers fit between teeth, creating small spaces prior to the placement of bands.
- Arch wires: Arch wires are attached to the brackets. They the shift of teeth.
- Ties: Ties may be clear, metal, or colored material. These small rubber rings or wires secure the arch wire to the brackets.
- Rubber bands may also be worn between the lower and upper teeth. These apply pressure and move teeth.
- Headgear: Headgear may be worn at night to help accelerate the shift of teeth, depending on the patient’s needs.
How Long Will I Need Dental Braces?
The length of time it takes for braces to completely transform your smile depends on the patient. On average, braces are worn for one to three years, followed by use of a retainer to prevent teeth from shifting.
If you have questions about braces, please give us a call.
