BRACES AND ORTHODONTICS: SOLUTIONS and RISKS

A crooked or misaligned jaw, teeth, and jaws can not only make you look bad, but they can also affect how you eat, chew, and even speak.
Dental braces can be used to improve the appearance of your smile and restore your oral health. In most cases, your dentist will refer you to an orthodontist, who is a specialist in treating problems in the mouth, jaws, and teeth.

There are many options for dental braces (orthodontics), depending on what area and how much correction is needed.

Braces are often applied by orthodontics in the teen years when permanent teeth have replaced their baby teeth. However, some problems can be addressed earlier.

For adults, too

Braces can be used to correct problems for adults, but this may take longer than it did for adolescents.

If your jaws or teeth are not aligned properly, it is difficult to bite down well. Sometimes chewing can be painful or difficult in severe cases. It may also be difficult to make certain sounds necessary for clear speech.

Dental braces can help with these problems:

• Overbite is when the top front teeth overlap with the bottom teeth. Under-bite occurs when lower teeth extend beyond the top teeth. Crooked teeth are also common.
• You may need braces or another orthodontic device for as little as one year, depending on the severity of your problem.
• Braces are made up of metal brackets and metal bands, along with wires that gently move the teeth into the correct position. Expanders are used by the orthodontist to create space between teeth for wires and bands, as well as a headgear which moves the upper jaws into the right place. A retainer is often worn after braces have been removed.
• An orthodontist can use a variety of techniques and devices to treat problems with your teeth or jaws. Braces can be adjusted quickly with new technology and procedures.
• Cleaning your teeth can be difficult with appliances and dental braces. Avoid sugary foods and sticky substances while wearing braces. This can lead to tooth decay.
• Hard foods can also cause damage to your braces.

Follow the directions

• Your orthodontist can give you instructions about how to clean and maintain your braces. To avoid any problems later, it is essential that you follow these instructions.
• If you get a blow to your mouth, some braces can cause severe pain and cuts. Ask your dentist about participation in organized or recreational sports.

Sometimes, it takes several phases to correct orthodontic issues. Your orthodontist will apply braces and adjust them as necessary depending on the severity of the problem. After the braces have been removed, you may be required to wear a retainer. Complex cases may require additional steps.

Your orthodontist can explain the treatment plan and give you an estimate of the time it will take. It may take longer to fix your problem if you don’t follow the instructions of your orthodontist.

You can expect a healthy smile and functional teeth with patience.