If you are wondering how long you will need to use your braces, understand that the time required for braces varies, depending on several factors. This includes the severity of the problem, the amount of room available, the distance the teeth must travel, the health of the gum and supporting bone, and how closely the patient follows instructions.
Orthodontics can be used to halt the sucking habit in children who are loathe to give it up. This can be critical, as sucking can create open bites where the upper and lower front teeth do not meet, leading to protrusive teeth and upper lips.
Did you know that orthodontics are not a modern convention? In fact, a book published in 1728 by French Dentist Pierre Fuchard called “The Surgeon Dentist” dedicates an entire chapter’s worth of material on the various ways there are to straighten teeth.
Did you know that Edward Angle was the first orthodontist, a dentist who limits his practice to orthodontics? He is considered the "father of modern orthodontics."
Do not eat hard or chewy foods like peanut brittle if you have braces. They can break your braces. Stay away from sticky treats like fruit roll-ups, Milk Duds, and gum. Additionally, foods like corn on the cob and nuts can get stuck between the metal pieces of braces.
Basically, fixed braces include metal bands that are cemented to the molars and metal brackets that are directly bonded to the enamel of front teeth. A stainless steel archwire is then used to connect these bands and brackets and effectively move and straighten the teeth.
While wearing braces will keep you from eating some of your favorite foods, there are ways to enjoy some foods that are usually considered off limits. Hard fruits like apples and pears can be eaten after being peeled and cooked. You can even eat small slices of raw apple if you carefully use only your back teeth.
An overbite that is described as impinging means that the lower teeth are pushing into the tissue behind the upper teeth. In such cases, surgery may be required to correct the imbalance.
Did you know that there are braces out there that are virtually invisible? Not only do these braces offer aesthetic benefits, but they allow the wearer to eat and drink almost anything that they like, as they are more like a mouth-guard made of plastic than traditional braces.
Did you know that crooked, misaligned teeth can actually lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome, and neck, shoulder, and back pain? This is because the placement of the teeth can cause extra stress on the surrounding muscles.
If you drink bottled water, make sure it contains enough fluoride to protect your teeth. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay.
Years of chewing your food with an underbite can cause excessive wear on the gums. This can lead to periodontal disease and the early loss of teeth. There are a handful of methods that can be applied to correct an underbite.
Recent innovation and improvements in wires have sped up the average treatment time for wearing braces in the last few years. Today's wires stay strong and patients may only need to see an orthodontist once every six or eight weeks.
Do you know what all makes up your bite? A bite can include up to 32 teeth, your upper and lower jaws, gums and facial muscles.
Are you concerned about braces for yourself or a child because of their appearance? One option is a series of clear, plastic aligners that will move the teeth as required. However, because they are clear and there are no brackets on the teeth, these braces can often go unnoticed.
Did you know that there are three main types of misalignments that can benefit from braces? These are defined by the Angles Classification Method, which Dr. Edward Angle, the father of orthodontics, established.
Usually during orthodontic treatment, you will need to see your orthodontist about every month or so. This way, he or she can make sure that the braces are exerting steady pressure on the teeth in order to move them properly.
Braces aren't just for children. Whether it is the first time in braces or correcting from a second time the percentage of adults seeking orthodontic treatment is always increasing. You are never too old to work on your smile.
Some factors that may slow down orthodontic treatment include: broken braces, not brushing well, not coming in for regular appointments, and having dense bone. Ensuring that you follow all the advice from your orthodontist will help the correction process stay within the desired time frame.
Your oral health is also connected to your overall health. Research finds that your oral health may be linked to your heart health, and to diseases like diabetes.
It’s important to remember that not all permanent teeth will grow in perfectly straight and in the right spot. If your child’s teeth didn’t come in as expected, orthodontic treatment could restore their bite and smile.
The bottom line is, overlapping teeth that tend to crowd each other are difficult to clean, even for a dental hygienist. Thus, the decision to wear braces is not only an aesthetic one but can also help protect your teeth from decay as well.
When it comes to orthodontics, teeth can be moved by a number of removable appliances or by the use of fixed braces, depending on the specific problem and age of the patient. A thorough analysis will be conducted by the orthodontist before any decisions are made.
Why are braces used? After creating a bite mold and examining your child's teeth and jaws, we can explain what braces are necessary and how they slowly move the teeth into their proper location.
