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Dental Braces Center - Appleton, WI

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Appleton, Wisconsin

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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  • Traditional bands: These are the generally outdated "full metal-mouth" look, which consists of the use of metal brackets soldered to metal bands that wrap around each tooth.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 Appleton

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Appleton Hospitals *

St Elizabeth Hospital
1506 S Oneida St
Appleton, WI 54915
(920)738-2000

Appleton Medical Center
1818 N Meade St
Appleton, WI 54911
(920)731-4101

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Fox Valley
130 Second St
Neenah, WI 54956
(920)969-7900

Theda Clark Medical Center
130 Second St
Neenah, WI 54956
(920)729-3100

New London Family Medical Center
1405 Mill St
New London, WI 54961
(920)531-2000

Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh
855 N Westhaven Dr
Oshkosh, WI 54904
(920)456-6000

Mercy Medical Center
500 S Oakwood Rd
Oshkosh, WI 54904
(920)223-2000

Winnebago Mental Health Institute
1300 South Dr
Winnebago, WI 54985
(920)235-4910

Calumet Medical Center
614 Memorial Dr
Chilton, WI 53014
(920)849-2386

Bellin Psychiatric Center
301 E St Joseph St
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920)433-3630

St Mary's Hospital Medical Center
1726 Shawano Ave
Green Bay, WI 54303
(920)498-4200

St Vincent Hospital
835 S Van Buren St
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920)433-0111

Bellin Hospital
744 S Webster Ave
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920)433-3500

Aurora BayCare Medical Center
2845 Greenbrier Rd
Green Bay, WI 54311
(920)288-8000

Brown County Mental Health Center
2900 St Anthony Dr
Green Bay, WI 54311
(920)391-4700

Berlin Memorial Hospital
225 Memorial Dr
Berlin, WI 54923
(920)361-1313

Agnesian Healthcare St Agnes Hospital
430 E Division St
Fond Du Lac, WI 54935
(920)929-2300

Riverside Medical Center
800 Riverside Dr
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715)258-1000

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