Braces
Braces
More and more adults are focusing on improving their personal dental health. They are taking vitamins, exercising, and even straightening their teeth! Braces or "Orthodontics" not only make your teeth and smile look better but often improve chewing function which promotes better digestion and better health.
Before orthodontic treatment can begin a patient must first have a written orthodontic treatment plan constructed specially to meet their particular problems. It is done using orthodontic records taken from the patient during a special diagnostic appointment. We take impressions to make orthodontic models of the patient's teeth, photographs to document the relationships of the teeth, and several types of x-rays to geometrically analyze the patient's skull and its relationship to their teeth.
The doctor then studies this information and approximately two weeks later the patient is invited back for a "treatment plan presentation." At this time the needed care is carefully reviewed, a final cost for the care is determined and the plan is established.
Once orthodontic brackets are bonded to a patient's teeth an orthodontic wire is then attached to the brackets. The wire forms a beautifully rounded arch but this ideal arch form is deformed by twisting it into the brackets. The wire then wants to return to its original beautiful shape and so it pushes or pulls the attached teeth on its way back. Each month a stronger wire is placed into the brackets so that the attached teeth will continue to move. Finally, the attached teeth form a beautiful rounded arch themselves.
This explanation is a very simple way of viewing orthodontic mechanics but is just intended to give you an idea of how braces work. There are many, many modifications to correct different situations and each case is treated for that patient's unique situation.
Appointment not necessary for people in pain.
Call 519-679-Dove (3683).