Braces in Portland, OR

Braces are orthodontic appliances used to straighten teeth and correct bite problems. Braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands. The brackets are attached to the teeth, and the bands wrap around the brackets to hold the wires in place. The wires apply pressure to the teeth to reposition them over time.

Braces work by gently pushing teeth into proper alignment. The brackets and wires apply pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the correct position. Braces correct crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other bite problems.

Dental braces explained

The way you define braces depends on whether you are talking about fixed or removable braces. Fixed braces are also known as bonded or traditional braces. These braces are fixed to the teeth using cement, and they do not come out. Removable braces, on the other hand, can be removed by the user. 

What types of issues can braces address?

Braces can help fix a number of dental issues. Here are some of the most common problems they address:

• Overcrowding
• Spacing issues
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Tooth rotation and incorrect tooth positioning
• Misaligned jaw
• Gapped teeth

What does getting braces have to do with oral health?

• Misalignment of teeth and bite problems can lead to multiple oral health issues. Braces help to improve the health of your smile by correcting alignment issues. 
• When teeth overlap, it can be difficult to clean between them. This can increase the risk of cavities. If teeth overlap awkwardly, your toothbrush may not be able to reach all the surfaces of your teeth. By aligning teeth, braces address this situation. 
• If teeth are all facing the same direction, you can also develop problems with clenching and grinding. This can damage your enamel and increase your risk of broken teeth. Braces are a solution. 

Types of braces

• Traditional metal braces are still the most common type. They are made of high-grade stainless steel. Metal braces straighten teeth just as effectively as ceramic braces, and they tend to cost less.
• Ceramic braces offer a slightly different aesthetic. Their brackets are tooth-colored, so you can’t really see them. They are just as effective as metal braces, though, and tend to cost a little bit more.
• Lingual braces are attached behind the teeth, so they’re not visible when you smile. They are as effective as traditional braces and tend to be a little more costly.
• Invisalign® braces are a series of clear, removable aligners that fit over the teeth. Invisalign® braces are invisible, so most people will not know that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment unless you tell them.

Are braces suitable for me?

Patients of all ages can benefit from braces as long as they have healthy teeth and gums. However, braces are most effective for children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 16 because the teeth are still growing. By correcting the teeth while they are still developing, you can correct dental issues while they are still relatively minor.

How long will I have to wear braces?

The amount of time you’ll have to wear braces will depend on the severity of the issue you’re having corrected. Some patients with minor alignment issues may only need to wear the braces for as little as six months. Patients with severe alignment issues, though, may need to wear the braces for two years or more.

Call Dentist in Portland, OR at (503) 291-0000 or visit our dental practice at 4455 Sw Scholls Ferry Rd Suite 101, Portland, OR 97225 for more information on Braces.