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Dental Braces Center - Galveston, TX

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  • Traditional bands: These are the generally outdated "full metal-mouth" look, which consists of the use of metal brackets soldered to metal bands that wrap around each tooth.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

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 Galveston

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Galveston Hospitals *

Shriners Hospital Galveston
815 Market St
Galveston, TX 77550
(409)770-6600

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
301 University Blvd
Galveston, TX 77555
(409)772-1011

Mainland Medical Center
6801 Emmett F Lowry Expy
Texas City, TX 77591
(409)938-5000

CHRISTUS St John Hospital
18300 St John Dr
Nassau Bay, TX 77058
(281)333-5503

Clear Lake Regional Medical Center
500 Medical Center Blvd
Webster, TX 77598
(281)332-2511

Clear Lake Rehabilitation Hospital
655 E Medical Center Blvd
Webster, TX 77598
(281)286-1500

Cornerstone Hospital of Houston at Clearlake
709 Medical Center Blvd
Webster, TX 77598
(281)332-3322

Triumph Hospital Clear Lake
350 Blossom St
Webster, TX 77598
(281)316-7800

Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital
11800 Astoria Blvd
Houston, TX 77089
(281)929-6100

San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Alexander Campus
1700 James Bowie Dr
Baytown, TX 77520
(281)420-8600

Triumph Hospital Baytown
1700 James Bowie Dr
Baytown, TX 77520
(281)420-7800

Bayside Community Hospital
200 Hospital Dr
Anahuac, TX 77514
(409)267-3143

Vista Medical Center Hospital of America
4301 Vista Rd
Pasadena, TX 77504
(713)378-3000

Bayshore Medical Center
4000 Spencer Hwy
Pasadena, TX 77504
(713)359-2000

San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Garth Rd
4401 Garth Rd
Baytown, TX 77521
(281)420-8600

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