Guide to Braces
If your teeth are disjointed and do not appear straight, then you will most likely be recommended braces. This is an orthodontic treatment which will help to make your teeth straight and will ensure that the biting pressure is evened out. Having disjointed teeth is no fault of your own and can easily be remedied. People who use braces can go on to have great looking teeth.
Should I have braces?
If you have crooked teeth then your dentist will most likely recommend braces to you at a young age. This is the time when most people have braces but many older people are choosing to use braces nowadays. Having the correct amount of teeth is the most important element in beginning treatment. Braces work to straighten teeth, improve the biting technique and make teeth easier to clean. This will help to ease the pressure applied around the mouth when biting, lessen strain placed on the jaw and help to combat headaches caused by manoeuvrability of the teeth.
What will happen?
Your dentist will be the one to recommend you to a dental specialist, usually an orthodontist. The specialist will then examine your teeth, take x-rays and make moulds of your teeth, in order to ascertain what treatment would be best. It will then be up to you whether or not to go ahead with treatment. Before treatment begins there may be the need to remove some teeth from the mouth. This will only be the case if there is not enough room for all the permanent teeth to move into place. You will likely be placed under sedation when teeth are removed.
When the brace is applied it will work to gently force the teeth into position. At first this can be painful but the pain will decrease after a while. After each appointment, when the brace is adjusted, the pain will return for a short time. You will need to see your specialist around every six weeks. Treatment time can range from a few months to three years, dependent on the level of treatment required. If you follow the advice given by your specialist then treatment can be a huge success. Speech may be affected at first but you will soon adapt. Sticky food such as chewing gum should be avoided.
What types of braces are there?
There are several types of braces:
- Removable braces - If your teeth require minimal movement then a removal brace will be used. This is a metallic device with springs connected that will apply moderate force to move the teeth. This appliance can be taken out and cleaned.
- Functional brace - The functional appliance is a metallic device that works to help change the way the jaw develops. This appliance will iron out the way force is applied through the jaw.
- Fixed brace - If your teeth require a high level of movement then a fixed brace will be recommended. The brace is fixed to the teeth and can not be removed. The brace will need to be detached from the mouth and cleaned gently.
- Headgear - This may seem like a daunting type of orthodontic treatment but it may be necessary. A headgear may need to be worn at night and so will not impact upon your social life.
- Invisible braces - Translucent plastic braces can be used to move the teeth. You will be given several different aligners to help the teeth along, of which each one will need to be changed after a period of about two weeks. This type of brace is most discreet, can be removed when eating or cleaning your teeth and will need to be worn for much of the day and night.
- Retainer - Once your brace is taken out you will likely need to wear a retainer for a short period of time, which will prevent the teeth from moving back to their original position. Retainers are metallic and may be fixed in place or removable.
How to take care of your braces
Make sure that you continue to clean your teeth twice a day. Mouthwash will also be of benefit. You will also need to clean your braces, whether they are detachable or not. Be gentle and follow any advice your specialist gives you on how to clean your braces. Avoid sugary and sticky food and drink.
