Dental Braces: A Complete Guide
Introduction
Dental braces are systems that help in orthodontic treatment and keeping the teeth aligned. Your teeth and the way you smile make a huge difference in how you appear to people. If you are unhappy with how you smile and would want to align your teeth in a better way, it is always advised to go to a dentist.
However, just like any other treatment, orthodontic treatments like dental braces can also be very daunting. To put the best dental braces for adults on your teeth, you need to visit a professional dentist.
In this article, we discuss the different things and pointers you need to keep in mind before going for braces. Braces are an attachment to your teeth, and you need to be fully informed about them before going for a dental brace installment. Read on to the next sections to know more about dental braces and their effect.
Dental braces are orthodontic treatments that dentists offer for various reasons. Before going for dental braces, you need to stay informed about the different characteristics of the procedure. You also need to know how to care for your braces too.
Circumstances For Dental Braces
Mostly, you would visit an orthodontist for the dental brace procedure. There are some scenarios under which you need dental braces. For example, your dentist may recommend dental braces when,
You have lost your baby teeth early
Baby teeth do fall with time to give way to your permanent set of teeth. However, some people experience early age teeth fall or premature fall of baby teeth. Such people need orthodontic treatments like dental braces.
When you lose your baby teeth quite early, your adult teeth take a lot of time to grow. Therefore, you have less control over how they erupt and align at a later stage. The adult teeth need straightening and alignment.
Your teeth are too crowded
Crowded or crooked teeth are the most common cause of dental brace installment. When you have crowded and crooked teeth, normal teeth functions do not go on smoothly. Crowded, crooked teeth do not look good when you smile. On the other hand, it is difficult to clean and floss such teeth. Therefore, you need dental braces for teeth alignment.
Too much spacing between the teeth
Some people experience too much spacing between their teeth. Such people often suffer from many oral issues because of the spaces. Spaced-out teeth also need braces for proper setting and alignment.
Your jaw shifts or makes sound
If your jaw shifts or makes weird sounds, you have developmental issues with your teeth and jaw. This develops into a huge problem at a later stage of life. To align your teeth and jaw, you need to wear dental braces for a long time.
You constantly bite into your cheeks
It is okay to bite into the cheek sometimes by accident. However, if it happens regularly for you, it's a persistent problem. Frequent bites in the cheek while talking and eating hint at misalignment in teeth. The problem resolves with dental braces for orthodontic treatment.
You have difficulty in biting and eating
Misaligned teeth can lead to difficulty in simple functions like biting. This creates a problem in eating habits. In fact, such a consequence of misaligned teeth causes diet problems and nutritional deficiencies. To help you bite like a normal person, the dentist puts braces on your teeth.
You have to breathe through your mouth
Although this condition is rare, many people breathe through their mouth instead of their nose. The condition also hints at dental alignment problems. Wearing braces for a long period of time corrects your teeth and helps you use the nose for breathing.
Different Types Of Braces To Choose From
There are various kinds of braces to choose from before using them in the long term. You can take the advice of your dentist before going for the right one. The different types of teeth braces are as follows:
Stainless steel braces
Stainless steel braces are very common. These braces use a mixture of steel, nickel, and titanium as a material. The stainless steel ones are traditional braces that people use because of their cheap costs. These braces are usually inert and unreactive on your teeth.
However, at times, the braces leave a kind of stain on your teeth. The stain is not permanent and can be removed. On the other hand, stainless steel braces are not good for people who may have an allergy to metals like nickel.
Gold braces
Gold is a very inert element and does not interact with most compounds and surfaces. Gold braces are, therefore, perfect to wear for a long period of time. People who can afford gold braces use them for their inert properties and aesthetic appeal. However, it is not a popular choice.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are also very popular because they are clear in appearance. The ceramic braces are made of glass-like composite material. If you are someone who does not want to wear metal braces because they will ruin the natural look of your teeth, ceramic braces are a great alternative.
The glass-like ceramic blends with your natural teeth color, making you less uncomfortable in the braces. However, ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces. Moreover, ceramic braces are brittle and prone to breakage. You have to be very careful of what you eat if you are going for ceramic braces.
Invisalign
The Invisalign system is completely different from traditional braces. This type of system is made of clear plastic for teeth alignment. The system is in the form of trays that are worn under the teeth. Invisalign is not a brace system because it does not have wires.
These trays need to be replaced every two weeks. The system is good for people who have minute alignment problems with their teeth. The Invisalign system is a system for teeth maintenance because it works as a teeth protector. The easily removable teeth alignment system is a good choice for small alignment adjustments.
Hidden braces
Hidden braces fit into the back of the teeth. These invisible dental braces are hidden from people and therefore have the name hidden braces. Another name for the braces is lingual braces. Lingual braces are placed close to the tongue. The system is more expensive than other traditional braces.
People who want to keep their braces hidden go for such lingual braces. However, such braces can cause small injuries and discomfort to the tongue. Moreover, such braces cause problems in speech.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider before going for dental braces?
You need to visit a good orthodontist before going for a dental brace fitting. The extent of misalignment, treatment time, and overall costs are influencing factors for dental braces choice. Your dentist will advise you on the best type of braces for your teeth that fall within your budget.
For what period of time do I have to wear the braces?
The time you have to wear these braces differs from person to person according to alignment issues. However, the usual time for wearing braces is 18 to 30 months. You have to wear these braces for a longer time if alignment issues are serious.
Is wearing braces uncomfortable for people?
Wearing braces is slightly uncomfortable for people. However, you will get used to it after regular use.
Is there a right age to wear braces?
Theoretically, you can wear braces at any age. There are dental braces for adults too. However, braces are best worn in the time of preteens (10 to 14 years).
Can braces be fashionable to wear?
Braces were earlier boring in their traditional form. However, since braces are available in different designs and materials, they can be fashionable. A good way to wear cool braces is to choose colorful braces.
Conclusion
Dental braces are a traditional way of correcting your teeth' alignment. Dental braces may be slightly painful and uncomfortable, but they give you even, aligned teeth. However, you have to be very careful in choosing the right kind of braces for comfort, treatment, and dental braces cost. You have to be very disciplined and caring about the braces after they are fitted onto your teeth. Understand that not every type of braces is good for your teeth. Your journey to dental braces starts with a consultation with an experienced orthodontist.