Orthodontics is a special discipline of dentistry
concerned with aligning the teeth and jaws to
improve one's smile and oral health. "Ortho" means
correct or straight, and "Odont" means tooth.
A dentist usually recommends braces to improve the
patient's physical "orofacial" appearance. Through
orthodontic treatment, problems like crooked or
crowded teeth, overbites or underbites, incorrect
jaw position and disorders of the jaw joints are
corrected.
When is the right time for braces?
Patients with orthodontic problems can benefit from
treatment at nearly any age. An ideal time for
placement of braces is between 10 and 14 years of
age, while the head and mouth are still growing and
teeth are more accessible to straightening. However,
because any adjustments in facial appearance can be
traumatic to a child during these sensitive years,
parents should discuss the matter with their
children before braces are applied.
And braces aren't just for kids. More and more
adults are also wearing braces to correct minor
problems and to improve their smiles.
What kind of
braces will I have to wear?
Your dentist will know what appliance is best for
your particular problem, but the patient often has a
choice. Braces generally come in three varieties:
The most popular type are brackets, metal or
plastic, that are bonded to teeth and are far less
noticeable. The "lingual" type of braces are
brackets that attach to the back of teeth, hidden
from view. Bands are the old-fashioned type that
cover most of your teeth with metal bands that wrap
around the teeth. All use wires to move the teeth to
the desired position.
How long
will I have to wear braces?
That depends upon your treatment plan. The more
complicated your spacing or bite problem is, and the
older you are, the longer the period of treatment,
usually. Most patients can count on wearing full
braces between 18 and 30 months, followed by the
wearing of a retainer for at least a few months to
set and align tissues surrounding straightened
teeth.
Will
treatment be uncomfortable?
The interconnecting wires are tightened at each
visit, bearing mild pressure on the brackets or
bands to shift teeth or jaws gradually into a
desired position. Your teeth and jaws may feel
slightly sore after each visit, but the discomfort
is brief. Keep in mind also that some teeth may need
to be extracted to make room for teeth being shifted
with braces and for proper jaw alignment.
Do I have to
avoid any foods or personal habits?
Yes. Cut down on sweets, chips and pop. Sugary and
starchy foods generate acids and plaque that can
cause tooth decay and promote gum disease.
Cut healthy, hard foods like carrots or apples into
smaller pieces. Sticky, chewy sweets like caramel
can cause wire damage and loosen brackets. Avoid
hard and crunchy snacks that can break braces,
including popcorn, nuts and hard candy. More dont's:
ice cube chewing, thumb sucking, excessive mouth
breathing, lip biting and pushing your tongue
against your teeth.
What about
home care of my teeth with braces?
With braces, oral hygiene is more important than
ever. Braces have tiny spaces where food particles
and plaque get trapped. Brush carefully after every
meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled
toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and check your teeth in
the mirror to make sure they're clean. Take time to
floss between braces and under wires with the help
of a floss threader. Have your teeth cleaned every
six months to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Insufficient cleaning while wearing braces can cause
enamel staining around brackets or bands |
Dental Surgeons at Southeast Oral Surgery