Braces in South Miami, Pinecrest & Kendall
Strong & Sturdy
Traditional braces have a long history of success and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics in South Miami.
These orthodontic workhouses are a great solution for correcting many oral issues, even those that are more severe or complex.
What Are Braces Made of?
Brackets
The brackets Dr. Ross uses are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. Brackets have little hooks or doors where a wire is threaded.
A bracket can be secured by closing the door or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.
Orthodontic Glue
This is what Dr. Ross will use to attach the brackets directly to your teeth.
Wire
This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Ross 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, but we may cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your unique treatment plan.
Elastics
If you need bite correction, elastics are an important part of treatment. These small rubber bands are typically strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook. This gentle pressure helps move the upper jaw backward to fix an overbite or shifts the lower jaw back to correct an underbite.
As a trusted Kendall orthodontist, Dr. Ross may recommend elastics in a variety of situations, especially when extra pressure is needed to guide the teeth or jaws into proper alignment.
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 are not used for everyone.
Spacers
These small elastic “donuts” or rings (also known as separators) can be used to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed.
Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors
Dr. Ross uses these tiny rubber rings or bands to attach the archwire to the brackets. They’re less rigid than spacers and come in dozens of colors.
The Importance of Early Evaluations
The American Association of Orthodontists and our own doctors recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven.
While that might seem early, it gives us a chance to see how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing and catch any potential issues while they’re still easy to treat.
