Orthodontics (Braces)

Orthodontics, which most of us know as braces, describes the art of using appliances to straighten and align teeth. At Great Lakes Dental Care, our professional dentists most commonly use braces to move teeth into their proper positioning.

Our Grand Rapids dentists will bond brackets to your teeth and thread wires through the brackets. The arch wires act as a track, guiding each tooth to its proper position.

There are several different types of orthodontic services available to our Grand Rapids dental patients, including traditional metal braces, ceramic ‘tooth-colored’ braces and Growth Guidance and MTM aligners.

Benefits of Braces & Orthodontics

• Ceramic ‘Tooth-Colored’ Braces: Ceramic braces are translucent brackets that blend in with your natural tooth color. They are used with patients who are concerned about the appearance of their smile as they are less metallic looking than traditional braces. Ceramic braces are designed to resist staining and discoloration over long periods of time.
• Metal Braces: Metal-wired braces are made of stainless steel and sometimes include titanium, and are the most widely used. These conventional braces, which require ties to hold the archwire in place, sometimes use newer self-tying brackets. These newer brackets can help to reduce friction between the wire and the slot of the bracket, providing a therapeutic benefit.
• Growth Guidance:The early interception of growth discrepancy in children. The correction most commonly involves the abnormal growth in the fit or bite of the upper and lower jaw. This is usually corrected with either fixed or removable appliance therapy during mixed dentition and between the ages of 6-10 years. Our dentists are constantly monitoring our young patients for orthodontic needs at every appointment.
• MTM aligners: A removable series of trays which correct alignment of the anterior teeth. Most treatment is accomplished in 4-6 month but may vary depending on the individual needs of the patient and the number of trays required to achieve the desired result.

For additional in formation about Orthodontics and how braces can help improve the look of your smile, please contact Great Lakes Dental care today.

All orthodontic procedures are performed by general practice, residency trained doctors.