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Dental Braces Center - Pittsfield, MA

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Pittsfield, Massachusetts

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  • Traditional bands: These are the generally outdated "full metal-mouth" look, which consists of the use of metal brackets soldered to metal bands that wrap around each tooth.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

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Pittsfield Hospitals *

Berkshire Medical Center
725 North St
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413)447-2000

BMC Hillcrest Campus
165 Tor Ct
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413)443-4761

Austen Riggs Center
25 Main St
Stockbridge, MA 01262
(413)298-5511

Fairview Hospital
29 Lewis Ave
Great Barrington, MA 01230
(413)528-0790

North Adams Regional Hospital
71 Hospital Ave
North Adams, MA 01247
(413)664-5000

Samaritan Hospital
2215 Burdett Ave
Troy, NY 12180
(518)271-3300

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
100 Hospital Dr
Bennington, VT 05201
(802)442-6361

Albany Memorial Hospital
600 Northern Blvd
Albany, NY 12204
(518)471-3221

St Mary's Hospital Troy
1300 Massachusetts Ave
Troy, NY 12180
(518)268-5000

Northampton VA Medical Center
421 N Main St
Leeds, MA 01053
(413)584-4040

Stratton VA Medical Center at Albany
113 Holland Ave
Albany, NY 12208
(518)626-5000

Albany Medical Center
43 New Scotland Ave
Albany, NY 12208
(518)262-3125

Albany Medical Center South Clinical Campus
25 Hacket Blvd
Albany, NY 12208
(518)262-1200

Capital District Psychiatric Center
75 New Scotland Ave
Albany, NY 12208
(518)447-9611

Columbia Memorial Hospital
71 Prospect Ave
Hudson, NY 12534
(518)828-7601

St Peter's Hospital
315 S Manning Blvd
Albany, NY 12208
(518)525-1550

Cooley Dickinson Hospital
30 Locust St
Northampton, MA 01060
(413)582-2000

Noble Hospital
115 W Silver St
Westfield, MA 01086
(413)568-2811

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