Crooked teeth are harder to keep clean, leading to an increased risk of decay and periodontal disease. They can also reduce your confidence levels if you’re unhappy with your appearance. At Smile Xperts, we provide braces to correct the misalignment of your smile, resulting in a healthier and happier you!

Who Is a Candidate for Braces?

People of all ages can be good orthodontic candidates, but only your dentist or orthodontist can determine whether you can benefit from braces.

If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate:

• Overbite – sometimes called “buck teeth,” where the upper front teeth lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth.
• Underbite – a “bulldog” appearance where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back.
• Crossbite –  when the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally.
• Open Bite –  when there is space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together.
• Misplaced Midline – when the center of your upper front teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth.
• Spacing – gaps or spaces between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not “fill up” the mouth.
• Crowding – when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate.

While anyone can wear them, braces are ideal for children between the ages of nine and 16. It is during these years that the teeth and jawline are undergoing most of their growth and, therefore, are more easily aligned.

However, more adults are using braces to correct orthodontic problems. Nearly half our patients are adults!

How Do Braces Work?

Many different types of appliances, both fixed and removable, are used to help move teeth, retrain muscles, and affect the growth of the jaws. These appliances work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws. The severity of your problem will determine which orthodontic approach is likely to be the most effective.

Braces are the most common fixed appliance. They consist of bands, wires, and brackets. Bands are fixed around the teeth and are used as anchors for the appliance, while brackets are most often bonded to the front of the tooth.

Arch wires are passed through the brackets and attached to the bands. Tightening the arch wire puts tension on the teeth, gradually moving them to their proper position. Braces are usually adjusted monthly to bring about the desired results, which may be achieved within a few months to a few years.

Today’s braces are smaller, lighter, and show far less metal than in the past. They come in bright colors for kids as well as clear styles preferred by many adults.

What Are the Benefits of Braces?

Braces are about more than just creating a beautiful smile and enhancing self-esteem. They can drastically improve oral health for adults and children. When teeth are tipped, rotated, or crowded, it is hard for your toothbrush and floss to reach all the areas exposed to decay. Straightening the teeth makes them far easier to care for while also giving you a million-dollar smile.

And, of course, braces can dramatically improve one’s appearance. Anyone who is dissatisfied with their existing teeth should consider braces as an effective way to attain aesthetically pleasing teeth.

Types of Braces

There are generally two types of braces. The first is plastic or metal brackets. These brackets are bonded onto the front of your teeth. While metal brackets are a more traditional option, clear or neutral-colored plastic brackets are now very popular because they are much less noticeable.

The second is the incredibly popular and effective Invisalign® treatment. This treatment moves teeth like traditional braces but through using nearly invisible plastic aligners. Taken off only to eat and brush teeth, Invisalign® has proven to be an excellent option for adults (and responsible teens) to achieve a picture-perfect smile.

Ready to Improve Your Smile with Braces in Pembroke Pines?

People of all ages can benefit from braces, so why not start now? Contact our friendly team today to schedule an appointment.