Braces And Aligners

Braces?

Braces used in dentistry are appliances which are used to align teeth and guide them back to the corrected position. They are usually made of wires, brackets and bands. They help to correct irregular positioning of the teeth, jaw correction and improves chewing and smile aesthetics. You should visit a dentist for more guidance regarding the braces you can use to improve your smile.

Braces Used For

The most important reason for getting braces is to improve your facial appearance and build confidence. Braces can be used in a lot of situations like open bite, jaw structure improvement, crossbite.

Adult Dentition

Adult dentition or permanent teeth replaces primary teeth and helps in speech, digestion, and appearance. During this time, young adults may face a lot of problems like

Crowding or haphazardly placed teeth which can lead to poor oral hygiene and causes caries.
Improper bite that affects mastication.
Teeth which are crooked in appearance and causes periodontal problems like bleeding gums, bad odor or premature tooth mobility.
Improper alignment of teeth also leads to calculus deposition.
Proclined teeth causes a convex profile.
Spacing between the teeth can cause speech problems.

Mixed Dentition

Mixed dentition is a stage where the oral cavity has both primary and permanent teeth. Wearing braces in this stage cures a lot of problems like

Right Time For Braces

Orthodontic treatment can be started as early as 7 years of age. There is no upper limit to braces when it comes to age of treatment.

Types Of Braces Available?

Metal Conventional Braces

These are the most traditional and common type of braces. They are small and comfortable to be used. They are usually tied with elastics which comes in various colors. These wires use body heat to move the teeth painlessly and quickly. There is no age limit as patients of all age can choose to use braces to improve crooked teeth.

Metal Self-Ligating Braces

These are metal brackets with a shutter or lock system. They are more comfortable than conventional braces and are helpful to expand arches and minimizing the need for extraction.

Ceramic Braces

These have clear brackets. They are aesthetically pleasing and blends naturally with your teeth. The shape and size are similar to metal braces. They are not as visible on teeth. However, they might require more care and protection compared to metal braces as they are brittle. They are usually used in upper teeth.

Lingual Braces

They are heavier comparatively and are placed behind the teeth. They can be made with lots of metals including silver and gold. The individual bracket is customized using CAD/CAM designing. It is highly aesthetic and less visible to the naked eye.They however might cause mild speech difficulties during the treatment.

Aligners

These are made with medical grade plastic trays and do not require any braces or wire. They are invisible to the naked eye and are usually used in adults. They are highly comfortable and hygienic. They also hide diastemas or existing gaps between the teeth.

Post Treatment Care For Braces

Do's And Don'ts With Braces

Do's

Try to avoid sticky food like gum or caramel.
Ask for a mouth guard.
Consume healthier drinks low on sugar content.
Brush after every meal
Must visit dentist for follow-up.
Floss like a boss.