richmond braces

Built to Last

Metal braces are a more traditional type of treatment at Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics. These orthodontic stalwarts have a distinguished history of successfully straightening smiles at every age for patients around Richmond and the surrounding areas.

Richmond Braces

At Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest technology to our patients of all ages in Richmond and surrounding areas.  The braces that Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics offer are smaller and less conspicuous than other types of metal braces.

Braces are an excellent choice for achieving a straight, healthy and beautiful smile.  They can close gaps and align teeth quicker than similar treatments.

The orthodontists at Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontists want our patients to choose what type of braces they feel comfortable with.

At the complimentary consultation, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan and our team will discuss our flexible payment plans.

richmond invisalign

What Are Braces Made of?

Brackets

Dr. Mahlman & Dr. Borders use sturdy braces brackets made from stainless steel, nickel, and other metals and have little hooks or doors where we thread a wire.

Your Richmond braces specialists secure your bracket by closing the door or placing an elastic over the top of the wire.

Adhesive

This is how Dr. Mahlmann & Dr. Borders affix the brackets to your teeth. It's common to adhere the bracket directly to your tooth.

Wire

This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. To help your teeth move in the correct direction, Dr. Mahlmann & Dr. Borders shape and curve the wire.

Typically, the wire attaches to all of your bottom or upper teeth, but we might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.

Elastics

If Dr. Mahlmann & Dr. Borders need to amend your bite, elastics are crucial. We ordinarily string elastics between an upper and lower bracket hook.

Pressure from the elastics pulls your upper jaw backward to clear up an overbite. But to repair an underbite, pressure draws the lower jaw back. At Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics, we use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.

Orthodontic Bands

We cement these stainless steel rings to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands anchor your braces and orthodontic appliances, but we sometimes use them for everyone.

Spacers

Dr. Mahlmann & Dr. Borders uses these tiny elastic "donuts" or rings to create space between your teeth when needed, typically before we place your bands. People also refer to them as "separators."

Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors

Dr. Mahlmann & Dr. Borders uses these tiny rubber rings or bands to attach the archwire to the brackets. Elastics are less rigid than spacers, and you can get them in dozens of colors.

Metal Braces FAQ