Braces

Malocclusion, or “bad bites,” is the term for crowded or crooked teeth that can be corrected with braces and orthodontic therapy. Sometimes, even if your teeth are straight, your upper and lower jaws may not fit together correctly. Injuries, early or late tooth loss, thumb sucking, or genetics may all contribute to these issues with the jaw or dental alignment.

To straighten up your grin, your dentist could suggest braces or another orthodontic procedure if you have an irregular bite. More significantly, orthodontic therapy leads to a healthy mouth, even though fixing the issue might provide a beautiful smile. If an incorrect bite is not corrected, it may lead to other oral health issues such as:

• decay in the teeth
• gum disease.
• loss of teeth
• impacted eating and/or speaking
• irregular tooth enamel wear
• issues with the jaw

You may straighten your teeth in a variety of methods. The alternatives your dentist or orthodontist presents to you and your personal preferences will determine the type of orthodontic treatment you receive. By exerting pressure, traditional braces straighten teeth. They typically include of tiny brackets that are glued to your teeth and are joined by a wire that your dentist or orthodontist regularly tightens to gently move your jaw and teeth. Metal or tooth-colored brackets are both possible. Occasionally, they are positioned behind your teeth. Another method for addressing orthodontic issues is to use removable aligners under the close supervision of a dentist or orthodontist.

An orthodontist is a dentist who focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing abnormalities of the teeth and face. Your dentist may offer orthodontic therapy. Your dentist’s skill with orthodontics and the complexity of your case will determine this.

Because irregular bites often show up between the ages of 6 and 12, orthodontic treatment usually starts between the ages of 8 and 14. Starting treatment while a kid is still developing helps get the best outcomes. Adults can still get braces if they have good teeth; orthodontic treatment is available at any age.

Most people are in therapy for one to three years, however treatment programs can vary depending on your circumstances. A time of wearing a retainer, which retains teeth in their new placements, comes next. More comfortable braces are available today than ever before. Modern materials move teeth with a steady, mild force and often need fewer modifications.

To keep your teeth healthy while wearing braces, it’s critical to eat a balanced diet. A healthy diet is always important, of course, but when you wear braces, eating too many sugary foods can cause plaque to build up around your brackets, which can damage or permanently discolor your teeth. Additionally, it is advisable to stay away from items that are sticky, such as popcorn, corn on the cob, chewing gum, and entire apples. When receiving treatment, find out from your dentist what foods you should avoid. Not everyone is born with a gorgeous smile, but you may have a lovely, healthy smile with a little orthodontic assistance and proper dental hygiene practices.

MouthHealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/braces