Braces and aligners
WHAT ARE BRACES?
Dental braces are appliances which are used to align or straighten the teeth and guide the teeth to the corrected position. They are made up of wires, brackets, and bands. Braces aid to correct irregular teeth positioning, jaw correction, improvement in chewing and smile aesthetics. Your dentist is the best person to guide on treatment options and modalities depending upon dentition.
WHAT ARE BRACES USED FOR?
ADULT DENTITION STAGE
Adult dentition is a stage where adult teeth or permanent teeth replace primary teeth which aid in appearance, speech, and digestion. During this phase, people can face many issues which can be corrected by Braces. These issues include:
- Crowding / Haphazardly placed teeth can lead to poor oral hygiene and can also be the reason for Dental Caries (Cavities)
- Improper Bite that affects chewing efficiency
- Crooked teeth which can be a major reason for Periodontal problems such as Bleeding Gums, Halitosis (Bad Breath) and Tooth Mobility (Premature loss of teeth)
- If the teeth are irregular, then it can cause calculus deposits leading to yellow teeth
- Forwardly placed / Proclined Teeth which leads to more convex profile and posteriorly displaced chin
- Open Bite
- The spacing between teeth which can cause speech problems
WHAT IS MIXED DENTITION STAGE
Every individual is different. Orthodontic treatment can be started as young as 7 years old. There is no upper limit in terms of age for Braces.
If you have good oral health and firm teeth, you can get braces at any age.
There is various kind of Orthodontic treatment available for all ages.
WHAT TYPES OF BRACES ARE AVAILABLE?
Metal Conventional Braces:
Metal Self Ligating Braces
Ceramic Conventional Braces
Lingual Braces
Aligners
TYPES OF DENTAL FILLINGS
Dental Fillings are of various types. The type of filling to be used will depend upon the condition of decay and other factors such as a person being allergic to a material. The different type of fillings available are:
Amalgam Filling
These are the most researched and widely used by dental professionals since quite long now. They are made of several metals combined and therefore, they have high strength.
Composite Filling
These are of the same color as your teeth. These are preferred if a person does not want their filing to be seen. It is recommended & suitable for front teeth. It bonds well with the tooth structure. It is also used for a chipped tooth.
Porcelain / Ceramic Filling
The porcelain filling is best suited if you have serious aesthetic concerns. These cover most part of the tooth, as a result, can be used if the decay is large enough. This long-lasting filling does not stain or wear off easily.
DO’S AND DON’TS WITH BRACES ON
DO’S
- Try and avoid sticky food like gum or caramel
- Ask for a mouth guard, if you play a sport
- Consume drinks which are low on sugar content and not carbonated
- Brush after every meal and never let food stuck on your braces
- Visit your dentist on every follow-up
DON’TS
- Don’t chew hard food and ice
- Do not bite your fingernails
- Do not consume more than one soda a week
- Do not forget to floss like a boss
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.1. How Long Does It Take To Put Braces On?
The entire process after bonding takes about 1-2 hours.
Q.2. Are Teeth Extracted For Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontist usually tries extraction but if there is severe crowding then they might need to remove one or two teeth.
Q.3. Are Braces Painful?
Braces do not hurt while putting them on but there can be a little discomfort or soreness after they have been placed, which lasts only for a few days.
Q.4. How Long Does One Need To Wear Braces?
The duration varies from 18 months to 3 years, depending upon the situation.
Q.5. What Can You Not Eat With Braces On?
One should not consume carbonated drinks, avoid eating sticky food and crunchy food such as ice, popcorn.