Did you always think something was missing in your smile? Are your teeth visibly crowded and not aligned properly? Do you see too many gaps between your teeth? Have you always looked into the mirror to find that you may have a crooked smile? Well, then there is one answer to all your problems. BRACES!
Dental braces are tools that are inserted on the teeth to correct a crowded or crooked set of teeth. They align your teeth well, close up all those gaps, and make them look more appealing. They work towards giving you that million-dollar smile that you’ve always wished for.
Having crooked or poorly aligned teeth may also cause other irritating issues like having difficulty in flossing or brushing every day, biting on your tongue very frequently (over-biting). If you have been experiencing such difficulties, then it’s high time you saw an orthodontist. It’s good to get those braces when you’re young as it makes it easier to manipulate the teeth. Adults can get braces too since the mechanical process of applying constant pressure on your teeth works the same way for both adults and children. The only drawback of getting this dental treatment when you are much older, is that it may take longer to get the desired results.
Even if you’re more than ready to get braces, you will still need a green signal by a qualified orthodontist. So, let’s say your favorite dentist referred you to a popular orthodontist. What happens next? This whole process will be done in numerous steps. Initially, in your first session, the orthodontist will conduct an oral examination and check your overall health. Depending upon the orthodontist’s assessment a CBCT scan, x rays, facial photographs, or digital impressions might be taken. Your alignment needs will then be analyzed and the right type of braces will be decided. Things will hopefully move forward swiftly from there.
Now! How these braces work, you might ask.
Braces are no magic spell. It takes quite some time to work. The science behind it: when slow and steady pressure is applied on your teeth, they are forced into alignment over a while. Braces are manually built by your orthodontist using brackets and wires, to create pressure, which in turn stimulates a biochemical response in the fleshy tissue that holds the tooth in place. This pressure on the bone and tissue creates generation and growth of new cells, eventually changing the position of your teeth.
How Long Do I Have to Wear Braces?
Small issues like mild spacing or straightening crooked teeth could be fixed in a year or before that, but other severe issues could take longer than expected. Only an orthodontist who possesses the necessary experience can decide how long you will need your braces.
Your orthodontist will decide the length of time considering the overall health of your gums, teeth, and bones. All individuals are unique with a different set of teeth and mouth. Hence, the degree of misalignment will decide the period the braces would be needed for. On average, for most patients, the time varies from 1-3 years. Once the braces are successfully taken off, the patient will have to wear an Invisalign for 6 months and eventually just it to bed. This is only done to maintain your beautiful result.
What are my options?
There are wide ranges of options available for patients who want to get braces in 2020: there are good old traditional metal braces made of brackets and wires, ceramic braces, and clear braces. The metal ones are more strong and sturdy while the other two options are more aesthetic looking. Lingual braces are another type, which is placed at the back of your teeth. They are widely chosen by patients today, as they are hidden behind your teeth and are hardly visible.
How often will the orthodontist want to see you in their office??
You will have to stop by the office for regular follow-ups with your orthodontist as often as once a month, once in 2 months, or as per the dates given by him. It’s necessary not to miss those appointments to ensure that those braces are working with steady pressure on your teeth. In some cases, headgears may be suggested too, if braces alone aren’t enough for the treatment.
Looks like a painful procedure?
The truth is that it might not be a painful process at all. There might be some sore pain initially but over the counter, painkillers should be of good help. Remember to inform your orthodontist if there is a lot of pain after every sitting. He will surely get in there and make some adjustments in the positions. Don’t worry. He’ll know what to do!
Hygiene tips
It is really important to take good care of your braces to maintain good hygiene. Remember to take off any removable parts of your braces before brushing. Clean them properly. Brush well and floss once a day. Ask your orthodontist a lot of questions when you regularly visit him. Follow all the pointers he gives you regularly, and treatment should be over in no time. Before you know it, you’ll be flaunting that million-dollar perfect smile.