Braces are orthodontic appliances custom made to fit your teeth. They consist of brackets and wires that apply pressure to the teeth to move or keep them in place. Each bracket is placed on the tooth’s front side, while the archwire is attached to the brackets to keep it in place as it exerts force on the teeth. Brackets can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. Metal brackets are solid and durable. Ceramic or plastic brackets are less visible and may be a better option for self-conscious patients. The archwires are made of stainless steel and are very flexible. They come in a variety of thicknesses to treat different issues. Some standard braces we provide at Dr G Dental Studio include metal, clear ceramic, self-ligating, and lingual braces.

Why Might I Need Braces?

Crooked or Misaligned Teeth

Crooked teeth not only affect the look of your smile, but can also make cleaning difficult, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. If your teeth are crooked, overlapping, or misaligned, braces can help straighten them and create a more aesthetically pleasing smile and make cleaning easier, helping to keep them healthy.

Malocclusion

Malocclusion refers to an improper bite, where the upper and lower teeth do not fit together correctly when you bite or close your mouth. This can include overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Braces can help align the teeth and jaws to improve the bite and overall dental function.

Spacing and Gaps

Braces can help move the teeth closer together and fill those spaces if you have excessive spacing or gaps between your teeth. Closing gaps not only improves the smile’s appearance but also helps prevent food impaction and potential shifting of adjacent teeth.

Jaw Alignment Issues

Braces can also correct jaw alignment issues, such as an underdeveloped or overdeveloped jaw. By properly aligning the teeth and jaws, braces can improve bite function, alleviate jaw pain or discomfort, and enhance overall facial aesthetics.

The Procedure for Braces

During the initial consultation, our orthodontist will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays and impressions, and discuss your treatment options. They will create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and goals. Once the treatment plan is established, our orthodontist will use a unique dental adhesive to bond the brackets onto your teeth. The archwires are then threaded through the brackets and secured with elastic or metal ties.

Regular visits to our orthodontist will be scheduled to adjust the braces. During these appointments, our orthodontist will make necessary wire adjustments to apply controlled pressure, gradually shifting the teeth into their desired positions. After the braces are removed, you will typically be required to wear retainers to help maintain the new alignment of your teeth. Retainers can be removable or fixed, depending on our orthodontist’s recommendation.