Simply put, Braces are handles that are placed on the permanent teeth in a specific order. These handles are then used to move the teeth into ideal positions in relation to each other, your face and jaws. Braces could be indicated as early as 4-5 years of age depending the type and severity of problem. Braces could also be very helpful in improving and maintaining the health of your teeth and gum in your adulthood.

Types of Braces

The classic metal braces with brightly colored rubber bands.

Steel Metal Braces

Shiny Silver color Braces

clear or invisible braces


Crystal Clear or tooth color Ceramic Braces

Invisalign braces


Invisalign System

sliding invisalign braces over her teeththe invisalign logo

Before and After BracesAn image gallery of before and after braces pictures


About Braces

One of the best decisions you can make at the dentist’s is to commit to a period of treatment using braces, realigning teeth and leading to a great number of long-term health benefits that will last virtually the rest of your life.

Braces are quite affordable, and numerous developments have helped them become both cheaper and less noticeable in recent years.

What They Do: A Look at the Best Uses for Braces

Generally, braces are recommended to those patients who have severe dental problems that affect the placement of their teeth or the nature of their “bite.” The most common reasons and purposes for braces are as follows:

1. Crooked or Misaligned Teeth

Teeth can become crooked or misaligned for any number of reasons, including the growth of wisdom teeth or simple genetic factors that cause teeth to grow in at non-uniform positions. Braces work to reform this misalignment through years of retraining teeth, pulling or pushing them in a given direction to create a more uniform, more comfortable smile.

2. Overbites and Under-bites

Overbites and under-bites occur when the top and bottom rows of teeth are not properly aligned, causing one to slip under the other. This is a problem that can cause patients to suffer from long-term discomfort and awkward resting positions of the mouth. Braces use the same reformative techniques mentioned earlier to effectively align the teeth with each other, eliminating this problem

Health Benefits: Why Bother with Braces?

Braces can fix teeth that are actually positioned slightly over top of one another, reducing the likelihood of cavities or infection. When used to correct an under-bite or overbite, braces can reduce chronic headaches and teeth grinding, reducing this constant, dull pain and giving patients a life that doesn’t rely on ibuprofen for daily comfort.

Because they promote healthier teeth, less overall pain, and a big improvement to smiles and self-confidence, it’s easy to almost recommend braces based on these benefits alone. Even so, their benefits for teeth include making them stronger, healthier, and able to better withstand everything from regular brushing to the occasional sugary beverage.

What are the Estimated Financial Costs?

Braces, as a rule, don’t have a set cost. Instead, the full cost of braces will vary based on the severity of the problem they’re used to correct, the type of braces used, and the duration of their use to fully correct the problem at hand. Braces installed for a shorter period of time, for a less severe problem, will typically cost less. The opposite is also true.

Additionally, braces will typically vary in cost based on the type used. Invisalign braces, for instance, generally cost a bit more than more traditional wire methods of realigning the teeth. To learn more about braces, including their cost, best uses, and benefits, be sure to speak with a qualified dental professional who can provide more insight and a better estimation of how they can help with any common problem.