Crooked teeth can ruin your self-confidence and make it difficult to clean between teeth properly. You don’t have to live with crooked or misaligned teeth, as simple orthodontics solutions are within reach at Le Dentistry & Associates in Norcross, Georgia. Phuong Le, DMD, and the experienced dental team offer braces to restore your beautiful smile. Call Le Dentistry & Associates to find out if you’re a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, or schedule an appointment online today.

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What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that utilizes braces or other aligners to correct teeth that are:

  • Crooked
  • Misaligned
  • Too crowded
  • Gapped

Thumb sucking, traumatic injury, small mouth size, and genetics are reasons your teeth might be crooked or misaligned. Phuong Le, DMD, completed a three-year orthodontics course for general dentists, to provide patients with the highest-quality orthodontic care possible.

What are the different types of braces?

Various braces can straighten your teeth and correct your bite. After a thorough exam and X-rays, your dentist lets you know which braces match your needs based on the severity of your condition and your preferences. Examples include:

Traditional braces

Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to slowly straighten teeth over time. Your dentist cements brackets to your teeth during placement and uses wires to shift the teeth during subsequent appointments.

Clear braces

Clear braces are like traditional braces, but use clear (instead of silver) brackets and wires. Clear braces aren’t as obvious as traditional braces but work just as well.

Lingual braces

When placing lingual braces, your dentist attaches brackets to the back of your teeth instead of the front, so many people won’t realize you’re wearing braces.

Retainers

Your dentist may recommend a retainer, a device that keeps your teeth in place once they’ve reached the desired position, after you’ve finished orthodontic treatment with braces.

Space maintainers

Space maintainers are devices that hold spaces for permanent teeth to erupt as they should after premature loss of baby teeth.

Am I a good candidate for braces?

Children ages 7-14 are good candidates for braces because their facial structures are still developing, but older teenagers and adults can wear braces, too. After a thorough dental exam and X-rays, your dentist lets you know if braces are right for you.

How long will I wear braces?

Your dentist lets you know how long to wear braces to achieve optimal results. Two years is a good rule of thumb, but everybody is different.

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing after meals, flossing daily, and using mouthwash when necessary. Your dentist may recommend a waterpik to effectively rinse away debris. Avoid chewy and crunchy foods when you have braces.

Don’t let crooked or misaligned teeth prevent you from smiling confidently. Schedule an appointment with Le Dentistry & Associates by phone or online today.