Dental Braces Center - Alexandria, VA
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Braces and RetainersRead the Braces and Retainers article » What Types of Braces Are Available?If braces are indeed the solution for you, your orthodontist will prescribe an appliance specific for your needs. The braces may consist of bands, wires, and other fixed or removable corrective appliances.
Generally, there are three types of braces:
Newer "mini-braces," which are much smaller than traditional braces, may be an option for some. Your orthodontist will discuss the various types of available braces with you and determine which might be the best option for you. How Do Braces Work?In their entirety, braces work by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to slowly move teeth in a specific direction. As the teeth move, the bony tooth socket reabsorbs and changes shape as pressure is applied. Braces are made up of the following components:
Recommended Reading Related to Braces and RetainersCaring for Teeth With Braces or Retainers » Special Brushing & Flossing InstructionsTo floss your teeth, feed the short end of the floss through the space between the main arch wire and the upper portion of the tooth closest to the gum. Use a gentle sawing motion to work the floss on each side of the two teeth the floss is between. Be careful not to pull with too much force around the arch wire. Begin brushing your teeth by using a regular soft toothbrush. Brush down from the top and then up from the bottom on each tooth with braces. Next, brush your teeth with a proxabrush or "Christmas tree" brush. This brush is specially designed for cleaning between two braces. Insert the brush down from the top and then up from the bottom between two braces. Use several strokes in each direction before moving on to the next space between two braces. Repeat the procedure until all teeth have been cleaned. Foods to Avoid While Wearing BracesMost of the foods you like can still... Read the Caring for Teeth With Braces or Retainers article » Other Related Dental Braces ArticlesEmergency Contact for Alexandria
Nearby Alexandria Hospitals * The Specialty Hospital of Washington-Hadley  Inova Alexandria Hospital  Saint Elizabeth's Hospital  Inova Mount Vernon Hospital  Fort Washington Hospital  The Specialty Hospital of Washington  The George Washington University Hospital  Virginia Hospital Center  Dominion Hospital  Georgetown University Hospital  Howard University Hospital  United Medical Center  Children's National Medical Center  National Rehabilitation Hospital  Washington DC VA Medical Center  Washington Hospital Center  Sibley Memorial Hospital  Southern Maryland Hospital Center  Psychiatric Institute of Washington  The HSC Pediatric Center  Providence Hospital  Inova Fairfax Hospital  Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children  Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute  Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital  Prince George's Hospital Center  Walter Reed Army Medical Center  Washington Adventist Hospital  National Institutes of Health  Holy Cross Hospital  Suburban Hospital  Doctors Community Hospital  Potomac Hospital  Inova Fair Oaks Hospital  Civista Medical Center  Reston Hospital Center  Laurel Regional Hospital  Shady Grove Adventist Hospital  Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland  Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health Adventist HealthCare  Prince William Hospital  Montgomery General Hospital  Calvert Memorial Hospital  Howard County General Hospital  Inova Loudoun Hospital Center  Anne Arundel Medical Center  Baltimore Washington Medical Center  Sheppard Pratt at Ellicott City Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Braces and Retainers by Our Doctors
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