What are Braces?

Braces are about more than just creating a beautiful smile and enhancing self-esteem. They can drastically improve oral health for adults and children.

When teeth are tipped, rotated or crowded, it is hard for your toothbrush and floss to reach all of the areas exposed to decay. Straightening the teeth makes the teeth and gums far easier to care for, while also giving you a million-dollar smile.

Braces can dramatically improve one's appearance by aligning teeth and correcting a person's natural bite. They can adjust for problems such as overcrowded or crooked teeth, as well as for an over or underbite. Modern advances in orthodontics have made braces a less noticeable and thus more desirable alternative for improving the appearance and health of the teeth. Braces help create straighter teeth, a proper bite, and a great smile.

Anyone who is dissatisfied with their existing teeth should consider braces as an effective way to attain aesthetically pleasing teeth. While anyone can wear them, braces are ideal for children between the ages of 9 and 16. It is during these years that the teeth and jawline are undergoing most of their growth and, therefore, are more easily aligned. Yet, as mentioned above, braces can straighten teeth for people of any age. In fact, more than ever before, adults are using braces to correct orthodontic problems. Nearly half our patients are adults.

And don’t forget to schedule regular visits with your Dentist. If you don’t have one, we’d be happy to refer you to someone we have confidence in.

Types of Braces

There are generally two types of braces. The first is plastic or metal brackets. These brackets are bonded onto the front of teeth. While metal brackets are more traditional, clear or neutral colored plastic brackets are now very popular because they are much less noticeable.
The second is the incredibly popular and effective Invisalign® treatment. A series of clear plastic aligners, this cutting-edge treatment moves teeth like traditional braces but are virtually invisible. Taken off only to eat and brush teeth, Invisalign® has proven to be an excellent option for adults (and responsible teens) to achieve a picture perfect smile.