Braces move teeth by applying pressure. The braces usually consist of small brackets attached to your teeth, connected by an arch wire and held to the brackets by elastic or metal ligatures. The wire is regularly tightened, or new wires are placed by our orthodontist or assistant to gradually shift your teeth and jaw to a “normal bite” and achieve a more aesthetically pleasing smile. The correction of “The Bite” is usually done by the use of rubber bands, extraoral devices and, in extreme cases, jaw surgery.
Braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatments available, and are an excellent option for nearly everyone seeking to straighten their teeth and align their smile. Braces correct problems such as:
- Crowded and crooked teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Malocclusion (bad bites), such as crossbites, open bites, underbites and overbites
Thanks to advances in technology, treatment techniques and materials, metal braces are now smaller, more comfortable and more effective than ever before. Additionally, more discreet options such as clear, or tooth-colored, braces are now also available for patients.
Treatment with braces typically requires 18 to 24 months to complete. Dr. William Harrell will provide you with an estimated timeline for your treatment as part of your initial evaluation and treatment plan. You will meet with our orthodontist and team regularly throughout your treatment to ensure that your smile is progressing as planned.
For more information about braces in Alexander City, Alabama, and to schedule a consultation at Harrell Orthodontics, call us today at 256-234-6353