Not everyone’s
teeth are perfectly straight. In fact, many people have crooked or overcrowded teeth. Crooked or uneven teeth may cause uneven
wear of tooth surfaces or jaw problems that may lead to complications in later life. They can also be difficult to clean properly, which makes them prone to tooth decay and gum disease.
The solution?
Braces. Braces straighten teeth by putting steady pressure on the teeth and by staying in place for a certain amount of time. Most persons just need regular braces with
wires and rubber bands doing their jobs to keep pressure on the teeth. The wires on braces help to move the teeth, and the rubber bands help to correct the alignment.
If braces need a little extra help, a person may have to wear head or neck gear with wires attached to the teeth. If you do have to wear headgear, don''t panic! You probably will only have to wear it at night or when you''re at home in the evening.
Every child should see an
orthodontist at an early age. This could be as young as 2 or 3, but the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial consultation no later than age 7. By age 7, enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has occurred that problems can be identified. Early consultation allows the orthodontist to determine the optimum time for
treatment to begin. Many parents and some family dentists assume that they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth, only to find out that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier.
Early treatment can eliminate the need for more drastic measures. In some cases, satisfactory results are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing. With proper timing, children may not have to endure years of embarrassment. Adults can be treated at any age as long as the gums and bone holding the teeth are healthy. Everyone has to wear braces for different lengths of time, but most people usually wear braces for about 2 years. For adults treatment may take a little longer because facial bones have stopped growing. But whatever the age, keeping teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment will help keep treatment time on track.
Braces act like magnets for food, so you need to keep your teeth
especially clean while you have them on. You''ll want to brush after meals and be extra careful to get out any food that gets stuck in your braces. Your orthodontist also may give you special flosses you can use to floss in and around your braces. When your orthodontist changes your wires, ask if you can do quick floss (it''ll be easier without the wires).
You won''t have to go on any special diet when you have braces, but you''ll want to avoid some foods that are problems for braces. Stay away from popcorn, hard and sticky candy, and especially gum. Sugary sodas and juices can cause a problem, too, because the sugar stays on your teeth and may cause tooth decay. You can have these drinks, but be sure to brush afterward.
Because braces put pressure on your teeth, you might feel uncomfortable once in a while, especially after the orthodontist makes adjustments. If you have pain, ask for a pain reliever. If you ever have a loose wire or bracket, or a wire that is poking you, you should see the orthodontist right away to get it taken care of. If your orthodontist can''t find a problem, he or she may give you some soft wax that you can stick on the bracket that''s bothering you. Then it won''t rub against your mouth.
Wearing braces requires patience and discipline. However, the result of treatment can be more than just a healthy smile. Often the orthodontist is preventing bigger problems from developing later. So braces can be inconvenient, but lots of persons, especially kids have them and they are definitely worth thel you know for sure? On the day your braces are removed. And the reward? A lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles!
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