Dr. James S. Kim, DDS. SC

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Dr. James S. Kim, DDS. SC > Services > Traditional Braces

Tradiontal metal braces are a widely trusted option for straightening teeth in Wausau, WI. Contact our dentist office to schedule a consultation.

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Straighten Your Smile with Braces in Wausau, WI

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Traditional Metal Braces in Wausau, WI

For many teenagers, braces are practically a rite of passage!

And today, even adults are taking the opportunity to improve both the health and appearance of their smiles with orthodontics.

If you or child is in need of orthodontic treatment, you’ll be happy to know that we can help you right here at our dental office in Wausau, WI. Dr. James Kim can providing orthodontics in the form of both traditional braces and Invisalign.

The Importance of Orthodontics in Wausau, WI

When it comes to the health of your smile, straight teeth matter.

Unevenly spaced teeth or teeth that are twisted or overlapping are at a higher risk for cavities. Spacing issues can both trap food and make it more difficult to brush and floss, which allows plaque, tartar, and bacteria to build up. Bad breath and gum disease are also often the result.

Traditional braces can do more than just help with teeth alignment. They can also address problems with the way your teeth come together, known as your occlusion.

Problems with your bite, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, can cause you to develop uncomfortable jaw problems over time. Because your teeth don’t line up properly, you can also experience extra erosion of the chewing surfaces and even chips and fractures.

Fixing your teeth and your bite with orthodontics can help you avoid these potential problems.

Traditional Braces

Traditional bracket-and-wire braces are a time-tested, proven solution to the problem of crooked teeth. With the addition of rubber bands and other options, traditional braces also solve a number of common bite problems. They allow for more versatility and greater treatment options than plastic aligners.

Braces technology has improved considerably, and even metal braces are more comfortable and less obtrusive than ever before. If you don’t care for the appearance of metal braces, clear or tooth-colored brackets are an option.

Bracket-and-wire braces are an affordable option for most people and are typically included on dental benefits plans. We can help you determine your coverage, and we offer flexible financing options as well.

Schedule An Orthodontic Evaluation in Wausau, WI

We recommend that every child receives an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. This allows us to identify problems early and plan treatment to start at the right time for the simplest treatment and best results.

It’s never too late, however, to have your smile evaluated and learn more about your options! We’ll help you have the healthy, attractive smile you’ve always wanted.

Dr. Kim is happy to discuss your teeth straightening goals with you and find a solution that is the right fit for your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget. Please call our Wausau dental office today at 715-849-5667 to schedule your orthodontics consultation in Wausau, WI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to straighten my crooked teeth?

While many patients come to our office because they are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, crooked teeth are more than just a cosmetic dental issue.

Misalignments also greatly affect the health of your teeth. When you have crooked, twisted, or overlapping teeth, it's difficult to brush and floss them properly, which allows bacteria, plaque, and tartar to build up. Over time, this build-up can contribute to cavities and gum disease.

Additionally, dental misalignments affect your bite, or the way your teeth come together. Over time, this leads to excessive wear on certain areas of your teeth, erosion, and fractures. Other problems associated with dental misalignments include chronic clenching and grinding (known as “bruxism”) and temporomandibular joint dysfunctions (TMJ or TMD). These problems in turn lead to pain in your jaw, neck, shoulders, and head. They are also associated with migraines.

Schedule an assessment at our Wausau dental office so we can consider your orthodontic options. Many patients can benefit from Invisalign, a clear, plastic aligner system that doesn’t rely on metal brackets and wires. Because the system is removable, it also allows you to enjoy your favorite foods and keep us with good oral hygiene more easily.

Call our office today to learn more.

Can my teenager use Invisalign?

Quite possibly!

Just like adults, teenagers are sensitive about their appearance – maybe even more so! For many, spending a year or two in braces can be an anxiety-producing proposition.

Invisalign Teen, on the other hand, provides an attractive alternative to traditional bracket-and-wire braces. Because Invisalign aligners are made of clear, BPA-free plastic, they are virtually invisible when they are in place, leading many to refer to them as “invisible braces!”

Not every teen is a candidate, and we’ll need to schedule an evaluation and consultation to determine whether your child’s specific orthodontic needs can be met by Invisalign Teen.

It’s also important to consider your child’s habits and level of responsibility. Because Invisalign is removable, your child will need to be responsible for wearing the aligners as recommended, switching them out as directed, and removing them before eating and for oral hygiene. Aligners should be worn at least 22 hours per day for the best results, and the translucency of the aligners can make them easy to misplace!

To schedule your teenager’s consultation, please call our office at (715) 849-5667. We’ll consider all the relevant factors and help you determine whether Invisalign Teen is a good choice for your child.

Meet Our Doctor:

James S. Kim DDS

Dr. James S. Kim received his Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola University of Chicago and his DDS from the prestigious University of Illinois College of Dentistry, also in Chicago. He has maintained a private practice in Wausau with an emphasis in family, cosmetic, implant, and sedation dentistry since 2000.

Dr. Kim is committed to staying current in the dental field, attending 150-200 hours of continuing education per year. Additionally, he has trained with some of the best clinicians in the world such as Dr. Frank Spear at The Seattle Institute ...

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