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Dental Braces Center - Amarillo, TX

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Amarillo, Texas

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Braces and Retainers

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:

  • Brackets: Made of stainless steel or clear or tooth-colored ceramic or plastic, brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth. Ceramic or plastic brackets are often selected for cosmetic reasons. Plastic brackets, however, may become stained and discolored by the end of treatment. Another disadvantage of ceramic or plastic brackets is that they cause more friction between the wire and brackets, which can increase treatment time.
  • Lingual-type brackets: These are brackets that attach to the back of teeth, hiding the bracket from view.
  • Traditional bands: These are the generally outdated "full metal-mouth" look, which consists of the use of metal brackets soldered to metal bands that wrap around each tooth.

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:

  • Brackets are the small squares that are bonded directly to each tooth with a special dental bonding agent or are attached to orthodontic bands. Brackets act like handles, holding the arch wires that...

Recommended Reading Related to Braces and Retainers

Caring for Teeth With Braces or Retainers »

Special Brushing & Flossing Instructions

To 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 Braces

Most of the foods you like can still...

Emergency Contact for Amarillo

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Amarillo Hospitals *

Panhandle Surgical Hospital
7100 SW 9th Ave
Amarillo, TX 79102
(806)212-0247

Triumph Hospital Amarillo
2828 W 27th Ave
Amarillo, TX 79109
(806)351-1600

Amarillo VA Health Care System
6010 Amarillo Blvd W
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806)355-9703

Plum Creek Specialty Hospital
5601 Plum Creek Dr
Amarillo, TX 79124
(806)351-1000

Baptist St Anthony Health System
1600 Wallace Blvd
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806)212-2000

Northwest Texas Healthcare System
1501 S Coulter Ave
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806)354-1000

High Plains Hospital
7501 Wallace Blvd
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806)477-1800

Northwest Texas Surgery Center
3501 S Soncy Rd
Amarillo, TX 79119
(806)359-7999

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