Braces in Grove City & Hilliard OH

We are especially attentive
to everyone’s individual needs.

Braces

We are especially attentive

to everyone’s individual needs.

Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable, and commonly used to achieve straight smiles.

At Thai Orthodontics, Dr. Lauren Thai and her friendly team are proud to provide advanced orthodontic care for patients of all ages in Grove City and Hilliard, OH. One of the most trusted and effective orthodontic treatments available is braces. For decades, braces have helped millions of patients achieve straighter teeth, healthier bites, and more confident smiles. Today’s braces are far more comfortable and discreet than in the past, making them a popular choice for children, teens, and adults alike.

If you are considering braces in Grove City or Hilliard, our practice is dedicated to helping you understand how they work, what to expect, and why they may be the best solution for your smile.

Why Choose Braces?

Braces continue to be one of the most reliable orthodontic treatments because they are highly versatile. They can correct simple issues such as mild crowding, as well as more complex bite and alignment concerns. Patients often choose braces because:

They are effective for nearly all orthodontic problems, including crooked teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
They are durable and can withstand daily use without complicated maintenance.
They are suitable for patients of all ages, from children to adults.
They provide predictable, consistent results over time.

For families in Grove City and Hilliard who are searching for orthodontic solutions, braces remain a time-tested option with a high success rate.

What Are Braces Made Of?

Braces are carefully designed with high-quality materials to ensure durability and comfort throughout treatment. Each component works together to gradually shift the teeth into the proper position.

Brackets: These are the small square-shaped pieces attached to the teeth using a specialized adhesive. Brackets act as handles, guiding the movement of each tooth as they work in unison with the archwire. They can be made from stainless steel, titanium, or even ceramic for a more discreet look.
Archwire: The thin, flexible wire that threads through the brackets. The archwire applies gentle but constant pressure, guiding the teeth into alignment over time.
O-rings or Elastics: Small rubber bands that secure the archwire to the brackets. These come in many colors, allowing younger patients to choose fun combinations, while adults often select clear or neutral tones. Elastics are replaced at each orthodontic visit.

Every material is designed with patient safety and effectiveness in mind, ensuring a smooth orthodontic journey.

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How Do Braces Work?

Braces work by applying steady, controlled pressure to the teeth. Over time, this pressure stimulates the bone around the teeth to remodel, allowing the teeth to gradually move into the desired position.

Here is how the process works step by step:

Placement of Brackets and Archwire: Brackets are attached to the teeth and connected with the archwire.
Gentle Pressure: The archwire exerts continuous pressure, moving the teeth in small increments.
Adjustments: At each follow-up appointment, Dr. Thai may tighten, adjust, or replace the archwire to keep the treatment progressing.
Elastics for Bite Correction: Some patients may need rubber bands to improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.
Final Alignment: As treatment progresses, teeth become straighter, and the bite improves.

It is common for patients to feel temporary soreness after adjustments or when elastics are used. This mild discomfort typically subsides quickly and is a normal part of the process.

Types of Issues Braces Can Correct

Braces are extremely effective at treating a wide variety of orthodontic issues, such as:

Crowding: When teeth overlap due to lack of space in the jaw.
Spacing: Gaps or uneven spaces between teeth.
Overbite: When the upper front teeth overlap too far over the lower teeth.
Underbite: When the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth.
Crossbite: When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside.
Open bite: When the front teeth do not touch, leaving an open space when biting down.

Because braces can handle both mild and severe cases, they are often the best choice for patients who want comprehensive results.

Life with Braces

Adjusting to life with braces is a big part of orthodontic treatment. Dr. Thai and the team at Thai Orthodontics provide detailed guidance so that patients know how to care for their teeth during treatment.

Oral Hygiene with Braces

Keeping teeth clean is very important when wearing braces. Patients should brush thoroughly after meals and floss daily using floss threaders or special orthodontic flossers. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential to prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay.

Diet and Food Choices

Certain foods can damage braces, so patients are encouraged to avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods such as caramel, popcorn, and nuts. Softer foods like pasta, yogurt, and cooked vegetables are easier to eat and safer for brackets and wires.

Sports and Activities

Braces should not stop patients from enjoying sports and activities. A custom mouthguard can provide extra protection during contact sports, ensuring teeth and braces stay safe.

What to Expect During Treatment

The length of treatment with braces varies depending on the complexity of each case. On average, most patients wear braces for 18 to 24 months, although some may require less or more time.

Patients can expect regular appointments every 6 to 8 weeks, where adjustments are made, elastics are replaced, and progress is monitored. Dr. Thai ensures that every visit is comfortable and that treatment stays on track.

Once braces are removed, most patients will wear a retainer to maintain their results. Retainers help prevent teeth from shifting back into their original positions.

Braces for Children, Teens, and Adults

Braces are not limited to a specific age group.

Children: Early orthodontic care can guide jaw growth and correct developing problems before they worsen.
Teens: Braces are very common during adolescence, as this is when permanent teeth have fully erupted and treatment is most effective.
Adults: Many adults choose braces to improve their oral health and confidence. Modern braces are more discreet than ever, making them an appealing choice for professionals and parents.

Dr. Thai works closely with patients of all ages to provide customized treatment plans that meet their needs.

Braces Treatment in Grove City & Hilliard

At Thai Orthodontics, we understand that every smile is unique. That is why Dr. Thai develops personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s goals and dental needs. With offices conveniently located in Grove City and Hilliard, we are proud to serve families throughout the greater Columbus area.

Our welcoming environment, advanced technology, and patient-focused care ensure that every step of treatment is comfortable and effective.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you are ready to begin your journey toward a straighter, healthier smile, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lauren Thai at Thai Orthodontics. Whether you live in Grove City, Hilliard, or a nearby Columbus community, our team is here to provide expert care and help you achieve lasting results.