Dental braces are wire-based appliances that orthodontists use to correct crowded and misaligned teeth or jaws. Many people who need dental braces get them during their early teenage years, but adults also can benefit from wearing braces.

Where should braces be placed?

To anchor the braces, the orthodontist puts metal bands around your back molars. After choosing a band that's the right size for your tooth, the orthodontist applies some glue to the band, sets the glue with the blue light, and slides the band onto your tooth.

Why are braces worn?

Dental braces are devices used to correct crowded or crooked teeth, or a misaligned jaw, known as malocclusion. Braces are most often used during adolescence, but more and more adults are getting corrective dental braces later in life.