MedicineNet

Dental Braces Center - Athens, GA

WebMD Physician Directory

Athens, Georgia

Upcoming Local Events

2012-06-09
My First Triathlon
Lake Lanier Islands, Georgia
2012-06-10
Summer Sizzler Triathlon
Gainesville, Georgia
2012-06-16
2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - Alpharetta
Throughout Alpharetta, Georgia
2012-06-30
Lauryn's Run
Dacula, Georgia
2012-07-21
2012-08-25
Gridiron Trail Rush
Conyers, Georgia
2012-10-14
6th ANNUAL CLOVER 5K
Athens, Georgia
2012-11-10
Bear Crawl 5k
Lawrenceville, Georgia

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  • Traditional bands: These are the generally outdated "full metal-mouth" look, which consists of the use of metal brackets soldered to metal bands that wrap around each tooth.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

Toothache »

What is a toothache?

"Toothache" usually refers to pain around the teeth or jaws primarily as a result of a dental condition. In most instances, toothaches are caused by tooth problems, such as a dental cavity, a cracked tooth, an exposed tooth root, or gum disease. However, disorders of the jaw joint (temporo-mandibular joint) can also cause pain that is referred to as "toothache." The severity of a toothache can range from chronic and mild to sharp and excruciating. The pain may be aggravated by chewing or by cold or heat. A thorough oral examination, which includes dental X-rays, can help determine whether the toothache is coming from a tooth or jaw problem and the cause.

Sometimes, a toothache may be caused by a problem not originating from a tooth or the jaw. Pain around the teeth and the jaws can be symptoms of diseases of the heart (such as angina or heart attack), ears (such as inner or external ear infections), and sinuses (air passages of the cheekb...

Emergency Contact for Athens

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Athens Hospitals *

Athens Regional Medical Center
1199 Prince Ave
Athens, GA 30606
(706)475-7000

St Mary's Health Care System
1230 Baxter St
Athens, GA 30606
(706)548-7581

BJC Medical Center
70 Medical Center Dr
Commerce, GA 30529
(706)335-1000

Barrow Regional Medical Center
316 N Broad St
Winder, GA 30680
(770)867-3400

Walton Regional Medical Center
330 Alcovy St
Monroe, GA 30655
(770)267-8461

Morgan Memorial Hospital
1077 S Main St
Madison, GA 30650
(706)342-1667

Ty Cobb Healthcare System
521 Franklin Springs St
Royston, GA 30662
(706)245-5034

Saint Joseph at East Georgia
1201 Siloam Rd
Greensboro, GA 30642
(706)453-7331

Elbert Memorial Hospital
4 Medical Dr
Elberton, GA 30635
(706)283-3151

Northeast Georgia Medical Center Lanier Park Campus
675 White Sulphur Rd
Gainesville, GA 30501
(678)343-4000

Northeast Georgia Medical Center
743 Spring St NE
Gainesville, GA 30501
(770)535-3553

*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.

You are prohibited from using, downloading, republishing, selling, duplicating, or "scraping" for commercial or any other purpose whatsoever, the Provider Directory or any of the data listings or other information contained therein, in whole or in part, in any medium whatsoever.

The Provider Directory is provided on an "AS-IS" basis. WebMD disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose. Without limiting the foregoing, WebMD does not warrant or represent that the Provider Directory or any part thereof is accurate or complete. You assume full responsibility for the communications with any Provider you contact through the Provider Directory. WebMD shall in no event be liable to you or to anyone for any decision made or action taken by you in the reliance on information provided in the Provider Directory.

The use of WebMD Provider Directory by any entity or individual to verify the credentials of Providers is prohibited. The database of Provider information which drives WebMD Provider Directory does not contain sufficient information with which to verify Provider credentials under the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) of the Utilization Review Accreditation Committee (URAC).

By using the WebMD Provider Directory, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.