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Dental Braces Center - Elkhart, IN

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Elkhart, Indiana

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  • Traditional bands: These are the generally outdated "full metal-mouth" look, which consists of the use of metal brackets soldered to metal bands that wrap around each tooth.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

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 Elkhart

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Elkhart Hospitals *

Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
330 Lakeview Dr
Goshen, IN 46528
(574)533-1234

Goshen General Hospital
200 High Park Ave
Goshen, IN 46526
(574)533-2141

Elkhart General Hospital
600 East Blvd
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574)294-2621

Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Mishawaka
215 W 4th St
Mishawaka, IN 46544
(574)259-2431

Community Hospital of Bremen
1020 High Rd
Bremen, IN 46506
(574)546-2211

Doctor's Hospital
411 S Whitlock St
Bremen, IN 46506
(574)546-3830

LaGrange Community Hospital
207 N Townline Rd
Lagrange, IN 46761
(260)463-2143

Our Lady of Peace Hospital
801 E LaSalle Ave
South Bend, IN 46617
(574)280-5822

Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center South Bend
801 E LaSalle Ave
South Bend, IN 46617
(574)237-7111

Madison Center & Hospital
403 E Madison St
South Bend, IN 46617
(574)234-0061

Riverside Hospital
533 N Niles Ave
South Bend, IN 46617
(574)283-1104

Memorial Hospital of South Bend
615 N Michigan St
South Bend, IN 46601
(574)647-1000

Sturgis Hospital
916 Myrtle Ave
Sturgis, MI 49091
(269)651-7824

Lakeland Medical Center Niles
31 N St Joseph Ave
Niles, MI 49120
(269)683-5510

Three Rivers Health
701 S Health Pkwy
Three Rivers, MI 49093
(269)278-1145

Parkview Noble Hospital
401 Sawyer Rd
Kendallville, IN 46755
(260)347-8700

Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital
420 W High St
Dowagiac, MI 49047
(269)782-8681

Michiana Behavioral Health Center
1800 N Oak Rd
Plymouth, IN 46563
(574)936-3784

Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Plymouth
1915 Lake Ave
Plymouth, IN 46563
(574)936-3181

Parkview Whitley Hospital
353 N Oak St
Columbia City, IN 46725
(260)248-9000

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