Things to Know Before Getting Dental Braces
Braces are a great tool for straightening teeth. They enhance your physical appearance and make it easier to keep teeth clean. This reduces the likelihood of dental problems like cavities, gingivitis etc. Misaligned teeth can have a negative impact on an individual’s self-esteem as one may become conscious about their appearance and smile. Dental braces can be useful for both adults and children.
What are braces?
Traditional braces are a band of wires that are attached to the front of the teeth. They are an orthodontic device that is used to straighten teeth and even properly position one’s jaw. They have a wire and metal brackets attached that apply pressure on the teeth. During the course of the treatment, an orthodontist will tighten the wire to increase the pressure. Over time this allows the teeth to adjust and align correctly.
Do you need them?
If you experience any of the symptoms below you should consult an orthodontist. You may require braces:
- Early loss of teeth
- Crooked/twisted teeth
- Too much space between teeth
- Difficulty in biting
- An over or underbite
Types of Braces Available
There are various types of braces available. You can choose the type that suits you best based on your age and the complexity of your misalignment. Your orthodontist will discuss all of the options available and help you make the right choice.
Consider incognito braces
Unlike traditional braces, these type of braces are attached to the backside of the teeth. As a result they are not immediately visible when a person smiles. Incognito braces are metal wired and have brackets attached to them. Adults tend to prefer incognito braces due to their discretion. These type of braces can however be harder to keep clean as food particles can get caught in between the wires.
Would you prefer invisible braces?
Invisible braces unlike traditional braces are not made from metal wires. They are made of ceramic and are translucent. Invisalign aligners are a popular brand of invisible braces that a lot of people are familiar with. This type of braces are ideal for people who have mild/ moderately crowded teeth or need to address minor spacing problems. People prefer these type of braces as they are not visible and are easy to maintain. These braces are suitable for both adults as well as children.
How long will you need to wear braces?
You might be concerned about how long does the treatment take. The length of time one has to wear braces will depend on several factors including age, teeth condition, other complications, type of braces, etc. In most cases patients are required to wear braces between 18 to 30 months. This is then followed by the use of retainers, which are removable and need to be worn for a few months or up to two years depending on how tissues surrounding straightened teeth react. If you are interested in learning more about braces and teeth straightening, book a consultation with an orthodontist. Make sure you consider all of your options before deciding what type of teeth straightening treatment you would like to opt for.