Now a day’s its very common for both kids and adults to wear braces, this is sometimes recommended by a dentist to improve a patient’s “orofacial” appearance through orthodontic treatment to correct, problems like crooked or crowded teeth, overbites or under bites, incorrect jaw position and disorders of the jaw joints.
If left untreated, these problems can result in tooth decay, gum disease, headaches and earaches, as well as speaking, biting or chewing problems. So if you have been considering whether or not braces are for you here is what to expect.
Basics
Braces were created to help you get a better smile. Dentists recommend them for a wide range of dental issues. Apart from straightening your teeth and improving how you look and feel. There function it to put gentle yet steady pressure on your teeth to move them in a certain position. The wires on your braces help to shift your teeth, while the rubber bands fix your alignment. Only orthodontists are specially trained in tooth movement and jaw function which qualifies them to apply braces.
Types
There are different types of braces which generally come in three varieties: The most popular type of brackets are, metal, ceramic or plastic, that are bonded to teeth. Ceramic brackets are typically clear or tooth-colored and are far less noticeable than metal brackets. Lingual, or concealed, braces are brackets that attach to the back of teeth, hidden from view. Both types use wires to move the teeth to the desired position.
A new alternative to traditional braces is a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. Not only are these invisible, but they also are removable so they won’t trap food and plaque between your teeth. You’ll wear each aligner for about two weeks and only remove it for eating, brushing and flossing. This may be an option for adults with mild spacing problems. Invisible aligners are not appropriate for children and adolescents who are still waiting for permanent teeth.
Wear and Care
When braces are first put on or adjusted, you may feel mild discomfort at first but its matter of getting use to the feeling. To ensure the best results braces must be taken care of correctly. Your orthodontist will give you specific directions, but here are some good guidelines:
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if your teeth are sore after adjustments.
- Since food and bacteria get caught in braces, always brush after meals and take time to remove any food trapped in the wires.
- To make it easier to floss, you may get a special flosser from your orthodontist.
- Avoid certain foods that can get caught in braces like sticky or chewy sweets. Caramel can cause wire damage and loosen brackets, hard or crunchy snacks can also cause damage, including popcorn, nuts and hard candy. Ice cube chewing, thumb sucking, excessive mouth breathing, lip biting and pushing your tongue against your teeth are also big don’ts.
- Limit your intake of sugary sodas and fruit juices because their sugars can cling to teeth and cause tooth decay. Be sure to brush after having any sugary drink.