Wendy J. Katz, D.D.S, Marietta, GA

Braces and Treatment
How do braces work? Can they really straighten your teeth? Braces work by applying gentle pressure, over time, to move teeth into their proper positions. The two main components of your braces are:
1) The brackets, which are glued in place on your teeth. This bracket acts like the handle to direct the tooth in place. It is made of stainless steel, or tooth-colored ceramics.

2) The main archwire, which connects, each tooth to the wire by the bracket. Archwires are custom made to reflect your ideal shape and form of your mouth (bite). This serves as a guide for the teeth to move toward their final positions.

Occasionally, elastic rubber bands are worn to apply additional forces to move teeth. When continuous forces are desired, rubber bands are changed daily to maintain proper pressures.

Metal braces, which happen to be the most durable, are the most popular with kids and teenagers. Children like to select the colored ties that are used, which hold the main archwire into the brackets (braces). At this point, children often become very creative and like the opportunity to customize their mouth.

Some patient's prefer gold colored braces. Adults many times prefer braces to be less noticeable. For them, we have several possibilities. Ceramic tooth-colored braces are used for the cosmetically conscious. The material that is used to form the brackets is different from the metal ones, but the mechanical principles are similar. They take about the same amount of treatment time as metal ones.

The newest type of clear braces on the market is called Invisalign. These are a series of clear, removable trays (like retainers) that move teeth in small increments. They are generally reserved for those bites that are not severely out of line. This treatment is reserved for those patients who already have their second molars erupted.

We continuously strive to increase our knowledge by attending continuing education courses regularly. We stay abreast with new technology and materials and use state of the art equipment. Examples are: computerized digital imaging, heat sensitive wires that apply light forces on the teeth, fluoride-releasing cements for bands to lower the incidence of cavities.

Treatment time for orthodontics typically ranges from 6 to 24 months, depending on the age and severity of the bite problem. Other factors that determine treatment results are atypical growth of the teeth and jaws, and also cooperation wearing appliances and / or elastics.

An orthodontic evaluation is recommended by age seven. The American Association of Orthodontics supports this concept because early evaluation can help determine the time to begin any necessary treatment. Functional, excessive/deficit growth problems or crowding of the teeth are serious complications that require immediate attention.

The results of orthodontic treatment can be dramatic. With improved dental health, and a beautiful smile, quality of life is enhanced. All of this contributes to high self-esteem, helping our patients develop into successful individuals.

Insurance
If your employer provides insurance coverage for orthodontics, we will be happy to work with you to receive your maximum benefits. We will gladly file a pre-treatment estimate to determine your coverage.

770-952-5255
Dr. Wendy J. Katz
1341 Terrell Mill Road, SE Suite 100
Marietta, GA 30067
Fax: 770-952-5242

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