Posted on November 1, 2019
Do you have misaligned and crooked teeth? Gift yourself this Christmas with a set of braces.
Misaligned teeth not only affect your smile and confidence but also causes the surrounding teeth to shift and wear down. Dental braces are designed to correct moderate to severe malocclusions and are suitable for people of all ages especially children and teens.
Although your general dentist can perform simple orthodontic treatments, teeth alignment should be done by a qualified orthodontist. At Jacaranda Smiles Children Dentistry and Orthodontics, we offer a variety of quality orthodontic treatments to help you attain a proper bite.
Braces move the tooth by exerting pressure on them. Underneath our teeth is a membrane that controls the position of the teeth and responds to this pressure. With every adjustment, your jaw will gradually conform to the required shape.
Well, there are different versions of braces, and all have pros and cons.
Traditional or metal braces consist of metal brackets placed on the teeth using an adhesive and connecting wire. The braces are the most effective treatment for extreme malocclusion. Unlike other designs, traditional braces require periodic tightening and this gives your orthodontist control to adjust the teeth one step at a time.
Metal braces are less expensive and because they can’t be removed, the braces are less prone to contamination. On the downside, metal braces are visible and at times uncomfortable.
Ceramic braces are similar in design as the traditional ones but are either tooth-colored or clear. They are less visible and unlike your metal braces, you can choose a color you are comfortable with.
However, ceramic braces are more expensive, are less durable, they stain, and can cause gum sensitivity.
Invisible braces are great if you want subtle tooth support. These removable braces are custom-built to fit your teeth and are made of acrylic or plastic material. They are suitable for adults or teens with mild to moderate misalignment or minor teeth spacing.
Treatment of clear aligners lasts between 10 to 24 months depending on the severity of your spacing.
Lingua, aligners are fixed on the inside of the teeth instead of the front, are comfortable and invisible. They are also easy to adapt to compared to metal braces. Not all dental clinics offer lingual braces, but at Jacaranda Smiles, we got you covered.
Lingual aligners are expensive and treatment takes longer than the traditional braces. Your speech may be affected in the first few days, but don’t worry, the tongue will get used to the braces and your speech will return to normal.
Mini braces work like traditional braces except they are smaller making them less conspicuous. They are made of stainless steel which is durable and comfortable. Since they are small, mini braces are easy to clean and cause less irritation.
The length of treatment varies from person to person depending on the severity of the dental problem, the spacing between the teeth, and the health of the supporting bone. On average though, the braces take one to three years to correct teeth. At times, you may need retainers for six months once you remove the braces.
Regardless of the type of braces, you should expect discomfort in the first few days as the teeth conform to the new shape. You may also have sores, especially if you have metal braces, but the dentist may prescribe over-the-counter pain killers to relieve pain.
Brushing your teeth twice a day is the recommended oral care. However, with braces, you should brush after every meal to remove food particles trapped in the braces. You can use a soft or electric toothbrush to avoid hurting your gums.
Additionally, watch what you eat as eating sugary and starchy foods will cause plaque buildup around the brackets causing the teeth to stain and cavities. Also avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods that can break the wires and loosen the brackets.
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Wednesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday By Appointment Only
