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Most People Get Braces To Make Their Smile Look Better, But A Straight Smile Is Also A Healthy Smile.

Traditional Braces

Orthodontic treatment can help you avoid severe tooth decay, gum and bone loss, TMJ (TMD) pain, and the irregular wear of tooth enamel. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and Glass Orthodontics recommend that children see an orthodontist around age seven to be assessed for any early signs of issues; however, you are never too old for orthodontic treatment.

Traditional metal braces are still the most popular orthodontic treatment available. Dr. Glass will evaluate you and tell you your options for getting a straight, healthy smile. Each case is different, so he will help you determine what treatment is best for your case. Contact Glass Orthodontics today for your complimentary consultation and learn more about how orthodontics can enhance your smile.

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What Are Braces?

The most common and effective types of orthodontic treatment used to treat misaligned and crooked teeth.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces have been the foundation of orthodontics for almost 50 years, and they are still the most popular orthodontic treatment today. Thanks to modern materials and new bonding techniques, they are more efficient, sleeker and comfortable than ever before.

Also referred to as fixed or metal, they are the most standard way to shift teeth into their ideal location. Their earlier versions felt more intrusive because of the size. Thanks to technology, they have become smaller and less noticeable and the wires used move teeth faster with minor pain.

Ceramic Braces

Did you know that orthodontics doesn’t necessarily require highly noticeable metal brackets and wires? Braces can be made from clear or natural tooth-colored materials to provide patients with an attractive, less noticeable alternative to metal. They are called many things: Ceramic, Clear or Cosmetic braces. They work the same as the traditional type, but the brackets and wires offer a more subtle look.

Ceramic brackets make an excellent option for teens or adults that happen to be more self-conscious about orthodontic treatment. As with any orthodontic treatment, choosing the right option for your needs and lifestyle is important. By talking to your orthodontist, you can decide if clear braces are the proper treatment for you. Dr. Glass can provide answers to your questions and extra information explaining the benefits and drawbacks of them and whether they are the right treatment for you.

How We Do Braces

How Do Braces Work?

They move your teeth by exerting constant pressure on them for extended periods. The shape of your jaw gradually adapts to conform to this pressure. Underneath your gums is a membrane surrounded by your bones. This membrane holds your teeth to your jaw and controls the position of your teeth, responding to the pressure being put on your teeth by the five main components that work together to straighten your smile.

The small metal or ceramic parts bonded to the front of each tooth are brackets. They are there to hold the archwires in place.

These small rings of metal wrap around the molars to provide an anchor for the archwires.

The flexible wires that are placed in the brackets with a ligature are archwires. These archwires are what actually cause the pressure that moves your teeth. The archwire stretches around the arch from one band to the other. Archwires come in varying sizes and will be changed at each orthodontic visit.

The tiny twisted wire or colorful elastic that holds the archwire in place. They are also changed at each visit and come in a variety of colors to choose from.

These hooks are part of the bracket. They are used as an attachment for rubber bands which the orthodontist may recommend you wear to help move the teeth toward their final position.

What Can Braces Treat?

Girl smiling

Braces straighten and correct your misaligned teeth and help you lead a better quality of life. By giving your smile straighter, healthier teeth and improving all of your bite issues, they are an excellent option for orthodontic conditions such as:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Overcrowding
  • Gaps between teeth

Benefits Of Braces

They can enhance your appearance, fix your bite and align your jaw. But, they do more than correct misaligned teeth; they can also improve oral health:

Woman smilling
  • Improve your oral health
  • Help you with digestion by improving biting and chewing
  • Prevent jawbone erosion
  • Boost your confidence
  • Improve your speech
  • Align tips of your teeth
  • Prevent dental trauma
  • Prevent stress and wear on the teeth
  • Maintain tooth and gum health
  • Prevent or improve TMJ pain as jaw movement improves

Our Smiles

Beautiful Smiles All Over Chesapeake, Virginia And Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Caring For Braces

Broken brackets can slow down your treatment, and you will have to wear your braces longer. Keep your teeth clean and take good care of your appliances for the best possible results. The following are great tips to follow.

Hear From Our Braces Patients

Request Your Complimentary Consultation

Are you curious to learn more? Fill out our easy online form to request your complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr Timothy Glass.

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Visit our Virginia Office

Chesapeake

757-204-7770

200 Carmichael Way, Suite 600
Chesapeake, Virginia 23322

Hours

Monday 8:00-5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:00-5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00-5:00 pm
Friday 8:00-4:00 pm

Visit our North Carolina Office

Elizabeth City

757-204-7770

1755 City Center Boulevard, Unit B
Elizabeth City, North Carolina 27909

Hours

Monday 8:00-5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:00-5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00-5:00 pm
Friday 8:00-4:00 pm

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