Braces and orthodontics are used to correct 'bad bite' or faulty dental occlusion (when teeth are crowded or crooked). In some cases, the teeth are straight, but the upper and lower jaws do not fit properly. These jaw or tooth alignment problems can be inherited or could result from injury, early or late tooth loss, or thumb sucking.
If you have a poor bite, your dentist may recommend braces or other types of orthodontics to straighten your smile. By correcting the problem, you get a nice smile, but more importantly, braces mean a healthier mouth. If a poor bite is not corrected, other oral health problems could arise, including:
º Dental caries
º Gum disease
º Loss of teeth
º Chewing and speech affected
º Unusual wear of tooth enamel
º Jaw problems
There are different ways to straighten your teeth. The type of orthodontic treatment that you follow will depend on your preferences and the options proposed by your dentist or orthodontist. Traditional braces realign teeth by applying pressure. In general, these are small brackets attached to the teeth, connected by a wire, which the dentist or orthodontist periodically tightens to gradually move the teeth and jaw. They can be metal or tooth-colored. Sometimes they are placed behind the teeth. Removable aligners are another option for treating dental problems.
Orthodontic treatment can be provided by your dentist or orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. It will depend on the orthodontic experience of the dentist and the severity of the case.
Since poor bite can be seen between the ages of 6 and 12, orthodontics often begins between the ages of 8 and 14. Starting treatment while the child is growing contributes to better results. That does not mean that adults cannot have braces; healthy teeth can undergo dental treatment at any age.
Treatment plans vary from case to case, but most people are in treatment for one to three years. They will then wear a retainer for some time to hold their teeth in their new position. Today's braces are more comfortable than ever. The new materials apply a gentle, constant force to move the teeth and generally require fewer adjustments.
While you have braces, it is important to eat a balanced diet for healthy teeth. Of course, a healthy diet is always important, but eating a lot of sugary foods can cause plaque to build up around braces and permanently stain or damage your teeth. Avoiding foods like popcorn, corn on the cob, gum, whole apples, and other sticky foods is also a good idea. Ask your dentist about foods to avoid while undergoing treatment.
Not all of us are born with beautiful smiles, but with good routine oral hygiene and the little help of orthodontics, you can have a healthy, beautiful smile.
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