BRACE YOURSELF!
The beauty of the smile is not fully appreciated when your teeth are misaligned or crooked. Orthodontic treatment is used to correct this condition. Treatment in orthodontics not only means correction of saligned or crooked teeth but also involves correction of protruding, crowded or irregularly spaced teeth and jaw problems.
Correcting the problem can create a nicelooking smile, but more important, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. That’s because crooked and crowded teeth make cleaning the mouth difficult, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and possibly tooth loss. An improper bite can interfere with chewing and speaking, can cause abnormal wear to tooth enamel, and can lead to roblems with the jaws.
Crooked or crowded teeth are common among children. In fact, 20% of the students seen through Clove’s Smiles for Schools Program needed braces. Adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment if crooked teeth or jaws were not corrected early in life.
Gum Disease- Developing periodontal or gum disease is a common effect of crooked teeth. Food entrapment and plaque accumulation between the gums and teeth may result in a gap thus leading to decay and gum disease.
Difficulty in Cleaning Teeth- It’s difficult for tooth brush bristles and floss to reach every nook and corner of the crooked teeth which leads to bacterial growth.
Chewing Difficulties- Protruding upper and lower teeth and other malaligned teeth in the mouth may rub together in a way that prevents normal jaw movement making it difficult to chew which can eventually lead to malnutrition.
Speech Problems- People may experience speech difficulties if t he teeth are poorly positioned.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ) – In adults, this can result from an irregular bite or poorly positioned teeth.TMJ causes pain in the face, jaw joint area, neck, shoulders, and can cause the jaw to “lock” in an open or closed position.
Impacts Confidence – A better looking smile boosts your confidence.
There are two types of orthodontic appliances: fixed, which are worn all the time and can only be removed by the dentist, and removable, which the patient can take out of the mouth. The dentist selects the type based on your needs.
Malocclusions often become noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12, as the child’s permanent (adult) teeth erupt. Orthodontic treatment often begins between ages 8 and 14. Treatment that begins while a child is growing helps produce optimal results. As a result, children should have an orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. By then, they have a mix of primary (baby) teeth and their permanent (adult) teeth. Your child’s dentist can spot problems with emerging teeth and jaw growth early on, while the primary teeth are present. That’s why regular dental examinations are important.
How about Adults Wearing Braces?
Children aren’t the only ones who can benefit from orthodontics. If you’re an adult, it’s not too late to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw position, or jaw-joint disorders. The biological process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age. Usually, adult treatment takes a little longer than a child’s treatment. Because an adult’s facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone. No matter your age, it’s never too late to improve your dental health and beautify your smile.
Traditional braces
Available in Metal, Ceramic, with Silver or Colored Modules.
Lingual Braces
Placed behind the teeth, highly cosmetic. Available in Metal and Ceramic.
Clear Aligner
Transparent sheath adapts over teeth and repositions them. FDA Approved.
Can I Play Sports with While Wearing Braces?
A protective mouth guard is recommended for sports and other activities that may result in injury to the mouth or jaw. Your dentist can suggest an appropriate mouth guard when the braces are in place. Braces typically do not interfere with playing wind or brass instruments although more practice may be needed to adapt.