WHAT ARE BRACES?
Dental braces are appliances that are used to align or straighten the teeth and guide the teeth to the correct position. They are made up of wires, brackets, and bands. Braces aid to correct irregular tooth positioning, jaw correction, improvement in chewing, and smile aesthetics. Your dentist is the best person to guide you on treatment options and modalities depending upon dentition.
If you have crooked teeth and/or a misaligned bite (an underbite or overbite), there are a variety of treatments that can help straighten teeth, including braces and retainers, custom-made, removable, or fixed tools that cover the outside of your teeth and help keep them in position. Learn more about how to tell if you have an overbite.
Many general dentists do basic alignment and treat other tooth problems, but orthodontists specialize in correcting issues with your teeth. An orthodontist has 2 to 3 years of advanced orthodontic education and training beyond dental school. They specialize in straightening teeth, correcting misaligned bites, and jaw problems.
The dentist or orthodontist you choose will ask questions about your health, do a clinical exam, take a digital scan of your teeth, take photos of your face and teeth, and order X-rays of the mouth and head. They’ll come up with a treatment plan based on this information.