Think you might need braces? Or, perhaps you’re not sure but are curious about what elements make up braces. They’re not just random pieces of metal and wire. At Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics, Dr. Mahlmann and Dr. Borders are the experts in charge of your smile mission. We’re based in Richmond, and we make smiles better, one bracket at a time. Whether you’re a mom looking into braces for your kiddo or thinking about a smile tweak for yourself, you deserve to know what goes into our appliances.
Braces And Brackets Basics
Think of braces as the coach for your team of teeth. What does a coach do? Get players into tip-top shape. Through training and discipline. That’s what braces do for your smile—they train and discipline your teeth to work together and make a gleaming new smile.
Are you worried about your braces being too bulky? Don’t be! They’ve come a long way from being just a mouthful of metal. Today’s metal braces are different from those of previous generations. Dr. Mahlmann and Dr. Borders use braces that are compact and comfortable.
How does that benefit you? It means your braces will fit you better! You won’t need quite as many adjustments, which means fewer trips to our office (a real bummer, we know). So you won’t have to upend your entire schedule just to keep your treatment on track.
Picking the Perfect Braces: Metal vs. Clear
At Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics, we’ve got two main types of braces for you and your family. We offer classic metal braces and see-through clear braces. What’s the difference?
Metal Braces
The veterans of the teeth team. They’ve been around the block and know all the shortcuts to a straighter smile. These braces are strong and don’t mind a bit of rough and tumble. Plus, did you know we can help you jazz them up? It’s true! Ask about colorful bands at your consultation with Dr. Mahlmann or Dr. Borders.
Sure, they’re more noticeable than clear braces, but that’s part of their charm. They show the world your child is on their way to an incredible smile. Plus, they’re usually more budget-friendly, which is always a bonus.
Clear Braces
Clear braces do the same job as metal braces but in stealth mode. Made from ceramic, they blend in with your child’s teeth, making them less visible. For many of our patients, this gives them a “clear” advantage.
They’re perfect for kids who are shy about wearing braces or prefer a less noticeable option. When your child smiles, most people will be in the dark about their treatment. But once their braces come off, nobody will be able to look away from their bright new grin.
Whether you go for the old-school vibe of metal braces or the low-key style of clear braces, Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics has got your back. Both options will get your child to an award-winning smile.
Core Components of Braces
Imagine braces are a little like the Avengers from Marvel (or the Justice League from DC). Each part has a special job, working together to straighten teeth and create that super smile for your child. Let’s meet the team members!
Brackets are like the HQ where everything happens. Attached to each tooth, they’re the anchors for the whole operation. They help guide the teeth into place. Envision them as the control center for the smile mission.
The archwire is the strength of the team. It’s a strong, flexible wire that connects all the brackets. It’s the main path your teeth follow to get into alignment. As the wire is adjusted, it gently nudges the teeth into their new positions, bit by bit.
Bands are the supportive sidekicks. These rings fit around the back teeth, helping to hold everything securely.
Elastics add the extra muscle. They hook onto the brackets, applying the right pressure to move teeth in specific directions.
Ligatures are the colorful accents that hold the archwire to each bracket. They’re the flash of style in the world of braces. They let your child personalize their look with different colors at each visit.
Together, these components work tirelessly, relocating each tooth into its ideal spot. Like any good team, each part of the braces has its role. The parts contribute to the ultimate goal: a healthy, wonderful smile that gives your child the confidence to be themselves.
Brace For Impact at Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics
Choosing the correct type of braces for you or your child is a big decision. Thankfully, you won’t have to make it alone. Whether you’re drawn to the traditional appeal of metal braces or the subtle style of clear braces, Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics in Richmond has the expertise to make your child’s path to a stellar smile smooth and successful. Ready to see how braces can benefit your child? Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Mahlmann or Dr. Borders today. It’s the first step toward a confident, radiant smile that will last a lifetime.