Dental braces are instruments or tools used for straightening teeth and correcting other teeth problems. Whether it is a child or an adult, as long as you have issues with your teeth that need fixing, you can get braces.
If you have crooked or missing teeth, an overbite (this is when your upper teeth overlap the lower teeth), an underbite (this is the opposite of an overbite; when your lower teeth overlap your upper teeth), overcrowded teeth, teeth spaced too far apart, misaligned jaw or any other teeth problems, you might want to consider getting orthodontic treatment and wearing braces.
The importance of getting orthodontic treatment and wearing braces for your teeth cannot be emphasized enough. Crooked teeth can be difficult to clean (brush and floss properly), develop cavities which could worsen your teeth problems and also cause you to be self-conscious when trying to smile around people. Overbites or underbites can make you bite your tongue or lips often, and this can also make smiling a bit difficult for you.
While some would want to fix their teeth problems so they can be free to smile without being constantly self-conscious, they might be put off by the idea of having to wear braces because of the extra attention it draws to their mouth. Also, some may be scared of it because they think the metal look of dental braces may cause more harm to their teeth.
Some also express their worry that dental braces may be difficult to clean, thereby allowing harmful bacteria to develop in one’s dentures. These fears and anxiety are understandable and valid. But there is good news! Dental braces now come in different types, and you do not have to worry about hurting yourself. You have many options other than the traditional metallic braces to choose from. There are ceramic braces, Invisalign or clear removable aligners, surgical or orthognathic braces, accelerated orthodontics, lingual braces, and self-ligating brackets.
You Can Reinvent Your Smile with These Solutions
Invisalign
Invisalign is a clear removable aligner that is used to gently move the teeth to align properly. With Invisalign, you do not have to worry about drawing unnecessary attention to your teeth as it blends in discreetly with your teeth. They are easy to clean and should be cleaned twice daily, in the morning just as you brush and at night when you brush.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces also have clear and nearly invisible brackets that blend well with your teeth. They’re more comfortable to wear than the conventional metallic ones, and they are easy to remove. Ceramic braces are also easier to clean, and you can do this when you brush your teeth in the morning and at night. You should avoid food and drinks that may cause stains on your teeth, though.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are also known as inside braces because they are installed at the back of the teeth and not in the front, so basically, no one really knows that you're wearing braces unless you tell them.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces, also known as Damon Braces or Smart Brackets, come in both metal and clear brackets, so you can choose the option that will make your braces less conspicuous. One major benefit of self-ligating braces is that many users testify that it makes the treatment happen faster. Due to its small brackets, self-ligating braces provide comfort for the wearer. They are also easier to clean with toothbrushes and floss.
Accelerated Orthodontics
Accelerated orthodontics is a new treatment that combines lingual braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, and metal braces to help straighten teeth out. It is a very fast procedure as it reduces the length of treatment from a couple of years to a few months.
Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics, like the name implies, is a treatment that involves surgery to help the individual speak properly, chew, or bite. Not every case requires surgical orthodontics, so you have to check with your orthodontist to know which treatment is suitable for you.
Another reason why some may feel discouraged from getting dental braces is that they worry about how long they might have to wear them. This is the major reason why you need to check with an orthodontist! You can have dental braces in for as short as a few months and as long as a couple of years, depending on your orthodontist’s prescription. And what are a couple of months or years compared to a lifetime of having healthy dentures that you can always confidently show off in a smile?
To aid your treatment and improve the overall health of your mouth, it is important that you follow your orthodontist’s instructions consistently. Here are some tips on how to cultivate good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss should be purchased based on your orthodontist's recommendation.
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating.
- Use a good mouthwash also according to your orthodontist's recommendation.
- Take off your braces when you brush and gently clean them with a toothbrush to remove plaques and stains.
- Remember to examine your teeth at intervals in a mirror for any stains.
- Consider investing in an oral irrigator. An oral irrigator, also known as a water pick, is a small device that has a tank that you can fill with fresh water and stream that water at your teeth to help flush out food particles, plaque, and bacteria that may get lodged there.
- Do not forget to check in with your orthodontist at the right times.
Taking good care of your teeth and braces will surely involve some work but that should be a small price you should be willing to pay to achieve well-aligned teeth that will earn you a winning smile at any time of the day.
Braces treatment will help you reinvent your smile so set your fears aside, imagine and look forward to a future where you can smile confidently showing your teeth and beautiful smile to people around you.
Conclusion
If you have any teeth or jaw problems, then dental braces are a good investment for you. Apart from helping you align your teeth properly, they can help prevent tooth decay, cavities, and other dental problem whose treatments can cost you a whole lot of money. They also help you in maintaining good oral hygiene.