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Braces
Braces
can dramatically improve one's appearance by aligning teeth and correcting
a person's natural bite. They can adjust for problems such as overcrowded
or crooked teeth, as well as for an over or underbite. Modern advances
in orthodontics have made braces a less noticeable and thus more desirable
alternative for improving the appearance of the teeth. Braces help create
straighter teeth, a proper bite, and a great smile.
Who
Should Wear Braces
Anyone who is unsatisfied with their existing teeth should consider
braces as an effective way to attain aesthetically pleasing teeth. While
anyone can wear them, braces are ideal for children between the ages
of 9 and 16. It is during these years that the teeth and jawline are
undergoing most of their growth and, therefore, are more easily aligned.
Yet, as mentioned above, braces can straighten teeth for people of any
age. In fact, more than ever before, adults are using braces to correct
orthodontic problems.
Types
of Braces
There are generally three types of braces. The first is plastic or metal
brackets. These brackets are bonded onto the front of teeth. While metal
brackets are more traditional, clear or neutral colored plastic brackets
are now very popular because they are much less noticeable. One of the
newest types of braces is lingual braces. Here, the brackets are attached
to the backs of the teeth, making them much less detectable than traditional
brackets. The traditional, and generally outdated, form of braces is
the metal bands that wrap around the entire tooth.
Although
there are different types of braces, the idea behind all of them is
to use bands to exert tension on teeth and gradually realign their position.
The orthodontist places the brackets onto the teeth and, in certain
cases, inserts spacers onto the back teeth. The archwires are then inserted
through the brackets, where they are held in place by ties. In some
cases, teeth need to be extracted to make room for the future alignment
of teeth.
Proper
Maintenance
In most cases, braces remain on the teeth for 15 to 30 months. The amount
of time depends on the severity of the orthodontic problem and the patient's
age. Once the braces are removed, a retainer (usually worn at night
for several months) holds teeth in their new position. Braces are generally
uncomfortable when they are first placed. Once patients become more
accustomed to the tension on their teeth, they do not cause any undue
discomfort. Patients should avoid hard foods and candy that bend the
archwires or cause the brackets to loosen. As well, food such as popcorn
or shelled nuts should be avoided as they can get stuck in the braces
and make cleaning difficult.
The
most important way to maximize the effects of braces is to be cooperative
in the process. Follow the general instructions of your orthodontist
for proper cleaning and maintenance of your braces. This insures that
the braces have the greatest effect on the your teeth and are on for
the shortest possible time.
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