You and Your Braces

A beautiful healthy smile is an amazing part of looking and feeling your best. The great news is that orthodontic treatment has never been easier, more efficient, and more affordable. Our advanced techniques and materials will increase your comfort while reducing your treatment time.

If you still are not sure that you and your family can benefit from orthodontic care,
just think about your answers to the following questions:

  • Do you feel awkward or self-conscious about your smile? Your child's smile?

  • When the camera shutter opens, do your lips close?

  • When you look at your smile, do you like what you see? Your child's smile?

  • What does your smile say about you?


Dr. J. Udhaya Raja truly believes that successful orthodontic treatment will unlock the power of your smile. If you notice that you or your family has any of these concerns, please contact our office for making an appointment.

Problems with Teeth . . . .

Crooked teeth (misaligned) can affect the way you chew and talk.

There may be extra spaces or no space at all between crooked teeth.

This can make the teeth harder to clean and you can end up with more cavities.

Sometimes crooked teeth can affect the way your jaws line up and can even cause pain in your jaw and neck.

Fixing Teeth . . . . . . . .

Braces

Orthodontic treatment straightens teeth that are out of place or are growing into the wrong position.

Crooked teeth and jaw problems can be corrected by using braces and retainers.

Braces and retainers work by gently pressing on your teeth over time and moving the teeth into the right positions.

Braces no longer just look like "train tracks" running across your teeth (they way they used to). Today, they come in a variety of attractive shapes and colors.

Most braces are made up of four main parts: bands, brackets, wires, and ties:

  • Bands - Flat metal rings that are placed on the molars in the back of your mouth. (Usually there are four bands: two on the top teeth and two on the bottom teeth.) Bands hold the wires in place that are threaded around your teeth.

  • Brackets - pieces of specially shaped metal or ceramic that are attached to each tooth. Brackets are the most visible part of the braces. They come in many different colors, shapes and sizes.

  • Wires - thin strips of metal that thread through the brackets (see above) and, as the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to move your teeth.

  • Ties - small rubber rings that hold the wire in place on the bracket.