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Dental Braces Center - Flint, MI

WebMD Physician Directory

Flint, Michigan

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  • Traditional bands: These are the generally outdated "full metal-mouth" look, which consists of the use of metal brackets soldered to metal bands that wrap around each tooth.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

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Flint Hospitals *

Hurley Medical Center
One Hurley Plz
Flint, MI 48503
(810)257-9000

McLaren Regional Medical Center
401 S Ballenger Hwy
Flint, MI 48532
(810)342-2000

Select Specialty Hospital
401 S Ballenger Hwy
Flint, MI 48532
(810)342-4545

Genesys Regional Medical Center
1 Genesys Pkwy
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
(810)606-5000

Lapeer Regional Medical Center
1375 N Main St
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810)667-5500

Memorial Healthcare
826 W King St
Owosso, MI 48867
(989)723-5211

St Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital
620 Byron Rd
Howell, MI 48843
(517)545-6000

Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital
1 William Carls Dr
Commerce, MI 48382
(248)937-3300

Saint Mary's of Michigan
800 S Washington Ave
Saginaw, MI 48601
(989)776-8000

Covenant Medical Center Cooper
700 Cooper Ave
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989)583-6000

Covenant Medical Center Harrison
1447 N Harrison St
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989)583-0000

Select Specialty Hospital
1447 N Harrison St
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989)583-4850

Doctors' Hospital of Michigan
461 W Huron St
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248)857-7200

POH Regional Medical Center
50 N Perry St
Pontiac, MI 48342
(248)338-5000

Havenwyck Hospital
1525 University Dr
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
(248)373-9200

Aleda E Lutz VA Medical Center
1500 Weiss St
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989)497-2500

Select Specialty Hospital Pontiac
44405 Woodward Ave
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248)452-5202

St John Brighton Hospital
12851 E Grand River Ave
Brighton, MI 48116
(810)227-1211

St Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital
44405 Woodward Ave
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248)858-3000

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