If your teeth are crooked, crowded, or stick out, orthodontic treatment can straighten them out. It will improve the look of your smile and your oral health, since straighter teeth are easier to clean and less likely to get cavities.
What is orthodontic treatment?
The most common type of orthodontic treatment is braces. But headgear, removable appliances, retainers, and oral surgery are all orthodontic treatments that can help, depending on the patient. People of any age can benefit.
Metal braces
Metal braces gently reposition your teeth over time using metal brackets, wires, and elastics. The first step is to attach brackets to each tooth with a special glue. Then we fit wires—typically made of stainless steel—into all the brackets, which are held in place with elastic bands. The wire is tightened bit by bit over time to slowly help line the teeth up properly, so we require monthly visits so we can monitor your progress.
How long will treatment take?
The amount of time depends on your age—it often takes longer to treat adults than children or teenagers—and the seriousness of your problem. For most people it takes about two years before they can have the braces removed.
