Braces in Searcy
Traditional braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics in Searcy and the surrounding areas.
All About Braces At Hometown Orthodontics
Why Choose Braces?
These orthodontic workhorses have a long history of successful treatment and Dr. Powell uses them to correct many oral problems. At Hometown Orthodontics, metal braces continue to be the top orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages.
They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This can potentially shorten your treatment time. Traditional braces are also the most widely-applicable orthodontic treatment and are appropriate for almost all common adjustments.
What Are Braces Made Of?
Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive. Metal braces are built from high-grade stainless steel and are the most common type of braces you’ll see.
Brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and connect to one another by an archwire, helping to guide your teeth where Dr. Powell wants them to move.
Brackets
The brackets Dr. Powell uses are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals.
Brackets have little hooks or doors where Dr. Powell will thread a wire. The bracket can then be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.
Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors
These tiny rubber rings or bands are used to attach the archwire to the brackets. They’re less rigid than spacers and at Hometown Orthodontics they come in dozens of colors, ranging from subtle to flashy.
Wire
This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Powell will change the shape and curvature of the wire to move your teeth in the right direction.
The wire will attach all of your bottom or upper teeth together in many cases. We might occasionally trim the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.
Orthodontic Bands
These are stainless steel rings that are cemented to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands can provide an anchor for your braces and orthodontic appliances, but they’re not used for everyone.
Dr. Powell will determine if your treatment will benefit from orthodontic bands at your initial consultation.
Elastics
If Dr. Powell determines that you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They’re generally strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook.
Elastics work like rubber bands to pull the upper jaw backward to correct an overbite, or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite.
We may use elastics for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.
Glue
This is what Dr. Powell will use to attach the brackets to your teeth. It’s common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue.
Spacers
These small elastic “donuts” or rings can be used by Dr. Powell to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They’re also referred to as separators.