Braces for the Front Teeth
In some cases, it is not necessary to put braces on all the teeth, as patients may achieve their desired smile with braces that are placed only on the front teeth. To find out if front teeth braces are the right option for you, consult an orthodontist who will help you determine the best option for you.
Evaluation Process
Prior to having braces applied on your front teeth, your orthodontist will first provide you with a thorough evaluation. This evaluation will include a full dental exam to determine the health of your teeth and gums. The orthodontist will also check to see:
- If your teeth are properly aligned
- If you have breathing problems
- If you have any pain in your mouth
- If you have gum disease
Patients with unhealthy teeth or gums may not be good candidates for braces, since the pressure put on the teeth and gums could aggravate existing conditions.
Next, the orthodontist will determine if braces will address any orthodontic problem you have. Some of the common issues that front braces are used to rectify include:
- The position of the upper jaw
- Crowded teeth
- Over bites
- Gapped teeth
- Buck teeth
If these orthodontic problems are left untreated, they may worse over time and affect the overall health of your teeth and gums.
How Braces for the Front Teeth Work
If it is determined that front braces are the right solution for you, your orthodontist will prescribe the right appliance for your particular needs.
Braces work by applying consistent pressure on your teeth over an extended period of time, which helps move the teeth into the desired position. As your teeth begin to move, the bone will also change shape as the pressure is applied.
Traditional braces consist of the following components:
- Brackets: These are small metal squares that are bonded to each tooth. These brackets will hold the arch wire that actually moves your teeth.
- Bands: These bands wrap around each of your teeth to provide an anchor for the brackets.
- Spacers: These are devices that fit between the teeth to make space prior to the band placement.
- Arch wires: These attach to the actual brackets and provide a track to guide the overall movement of the teeth.
Modern cosmetic dentistry offers a number of newer devices that are more discreet than the traditional braces. In addition to smaller brackets as an option, another method that has become popular for straightening the front teeth is Invisalign. You should talk with your orthodontist to determine which option is right for your unique orthodontic situation.
Learn More about Braces for Front Teeth
If you think that braces on the front teeth may be right for correcting the alignment of your front teeth, it is time to take action. If you are ready to find out more about braces and how they can benefit your smile, contact the office of Dr. Kellyn W. Hodges today. The friendly staff can help you determine if braces are the right option for you, and help you achieve a beautiful smile that you will be proud to show off.