Braces: The Guide to Straighter Teeth

If you're considering getting braces, you're not alone. Millions of people every year decide to straighten their teeth to improve their smile and oral health. Braces have come a long way since their invention and now come in a variety of styles, materials, and sizes to suit each person's unique needs.

Types of Braces

• Metal Braces: Traditional metal braces are made of high-grade stainless steel and use metal brackets and wires to straighten your teeth. These braces are the most noticeable type, but are also the most effective.
  
  
• Ceramic Braces: Similar to metal braces, ceramic braces use brackets and wires to straighten teeth, but the brackets are made of a clear or tooth-colored material that blends in with your teeth.
  
  
• Lingual Braces: Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces, but instead of being attached to the front of the teeth, they are attached to the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible.
  
  
• Invisalign: Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces. Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that fit over your teeth and gradually shift them into place.
  
  

The Benefits of Braces

• Improved Oral Health: Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
  
  
• Enhanced Smile: Braces can greatly improve the appearance of your smile, giving you the confidence to show it off.
  
  
• Improved Speech: Braces can help improve your speech by correcting bite and alignment issues.
  
  
• Better Chewing: Braces can help improve your bite and chewing ability, making it easier to enjoy your favorite foods.
  
  

How to Care for Your Braces

• Brush and Floss Regularly: Braces can make it difficult to clean your teeth, but it's important to brush and floss regularly to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
  
  
• Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods: Sticky and hard foods can damage your braces, so it's best to avoid them during treatment.
  
  
• Wear a Mouthguard During Sports: If you play sports, it's important to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces from damage.
  
  
• Follow Your Orthodontist's Instructions: Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions on how to care for your braces, so be sure to follow them closely.

In conclusion, braces are a great option for anyone looking to improve their smile and oral health. With a variety of styles and materials to choose from, there's a type of brace that's right for everyone. Just be sure to follow your orthodontist's instructions and take good care of your braces, and you'll have a beautiful smile in no time.

Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

Despite what many people think, orthodontic treatment is not only for children.

Orthodontists are specially-trained dentists who bring the teeth, jaw bones and facial profile into proper alignment. 

They can therefore give you a better smile and improve your dental health.

It’s never too late to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, bite problems, incorrect jaw position, or jaw-joint disorders.

The biological process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age.

However treatment for adults can take a little longer than for a child.

As an adult's facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone and sometimes surgery is required.

However, whatever your age, it's never too late to improve your dental health and make your smile more beautiful.

At What Age Should I Get Orthodontic Treatment?

Some people think orthodontic treatment is only for teenagers but truth is you can get it at any age.

Your jaw is growing the quickest when your are 8 or 9 so it is usually best to expand your jaw and reshape your mouth at that age.

Permanent teeth usually come in around 12 or 13 and that is normally the best time to start full orthodontic treatment.

However some children as young as 4 start orthodontics early to avoid a problem later on.

You can get braces at any age but as you get older the treatment takes longer and hurts more.

By time you are 20, you may need surgery to expand your jaw. However, adults as old as 90 can get orthodontic treatment to fix crooked teeth.

Orthodontic treatment works best and is the least painful around ages 8 to 14 so it's usually best to start orthodontic treatment that age.

Visiting an Orthodontist

Orthodontics is a specialist area of dentistry focused on treating problems like crooked teeth and bad bite known as malocclusion.

Orthodontic work gives you a better smile and leads to many health benefits.

The treatment is provided through braces, corrective procedures and other 'appliances' to straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment.

While most dentists are trained to treat minor orthodontic problems, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist.

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Orthodontic treatment varies depending on the condition but most people wearing braces do so for between one and three years.

This is followed by a period of wearing a 'retainer' that holds teeth in their new positions.

Although a little discomfort is expected during treatment, modern materials apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth.

Today’s braces are therefore more comfortable and effective than ever before.

Why Teenagers Need Braces

The idea of getting braces may at first be daunting to a teenager.

But the benefits definitely make it worthwhile.

It may be hard to believe at first but the long-term benefit is a better smile that makes you look great.

Truth is about 70% of US teenagers need braces so, if you look around your class, probably about two out of three of your friends have braces or will have them soon.

Just take a look in the mirror and decide if you like your smile.

Whatever you think now, your orthodontist will make your smile even better.

Think about how much that will boost your social life.

However, it's not just about your smile, there are many health benefits of braces:

- You will be able to chew your food better: When teeth are not straight, you can't chew your food correctly. This can cause an upset stomach.

- You will avoid dental problems: If you do not get orthodontic treatment when you need it, your teeth will be hard to clean and your gums will hurt.

- You may avoid developing a breathing problem: The roof of your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose. This causes you to snore loudly and may contribute to a condition called "sleep apnea".

Therefore braces can make a big difference to your life both now and in the future.