How Do Braces Work?

Braces use steady, gentle pressure over time to move your teeth into the proper position. Modern advances in orthodontics have made braces a less noticeable and more desirable alternative for improving the appearance of your teeth. Due to new technologies, they are more comfortable, the treatment times are shorter, and usually, fewer visits are required.

Braces For Adults

Even if you are an adult, Dr. Martin can help you achieve a confident smile. You are never too old for braces. Over one million adults are wearing braces today and about 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults. The biological process involved in tooth movement is the same in adults as it is with children. Regardless of a person's age, successful orthodontic treatment can make a dramatic change in your smile and in your life.

92% of adults agree that an attractive smile is an important social asset.
88% of adults say they remember someone with an especially attractive smile.
74% agree that an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for career success.

Source - American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Braces For Children

It's best for your children to visit with Dr. Martin by age 7 so that he can advise if orthodontic treatment is required. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. With early treatment, Dr. Martin can guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth.

Early preventative treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.