Are You Considering Orthodontic Treatment to Straighten Your Teeth?

If you have crowded and misaligned teeth or jaws you may consider visiting an orthodontist to have the imperfections corrected. It is common to notice orthodontists providing dental braces with metal and wire brackets to teenagers who may want to correct the problems at an early age.

Adults can also opt for braces to derive the same benefits as teenagers. The goal behind having braces on the teeth is to properly align the teeth with the jaws for producing an even bite and an attractive smile.

Adults that need minor corrections can opt for a series of customized removable appliances like Invisalign that are also called clear aligners or invisible braces. It is suggested that adults considering clear aligners vs. braces should enquire about the costs along with the pros and cons of their specific needs. Many people have limited options and need to choose braces to properly correct the dental problems in their mouths.

Modern technology and materials have made the experience of having metal and wire braces more comfortable than earlier. If you are considering any of the treatments mentioned to correct a problem with your teeth we suggest you read this article to educate yourself about how braces can help you.

Why Correcting Problems with Your Teeth Is Essential?

Braces are offered as a remedial treatment for:

• Overcrowded or crooked teeth.
• Gaps between the teeth.
• Upper teeth that are overlapping the lower teeth vertically or horizontally.
• Upper front teeth biting behind the lower teeth.
• Misalignment problems of other types with the jaw.

Aligning your teeth and jaws properly will not only improve the appearance of your teeth but also the health of your mouth and the way you chew, bite, and speak.

Braces for Adults

It would be wrong to say that adults should not be wearing braces because orthodontic treatments can be obtained at any age. However, adults will be required to wear the braces longer than teenagers but can rest assured that the results will be similar. The reason for this difference is because the facial bones of adults are no longer growing and some problems may be difficult to treat with braces alone.

Preparing for Dental Braces

If your regular dentist observes any problems with your teeth and jaws he or she will refer you to an orthodontist specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Some alignment problems with the tooth can occur when children are developing and are treated before puberty. However, they can become apparent when the permanent teeth begin to erupt. Children between the ages of 8 to 14 are routinely getting braces when their facial bones are still developing and it is easier to move their teeth.

When you visit the orthodontist for braces he or she will take you through the following:

• Oral examination. Your full mouth, teeth, and jaws will be examined by the orthodontist.

• X-rays. A series of x-rays will be taken to determine the position of your teeth. These days, orthodontists are using 3D x-rays because they provide a better idea of the precise position of your teeth.

• Impressions. Your orthodontist will create an impression of your teeth to evaluate your bite. On occasions, the impression taken may be scanned into a digital format for further evaluation and decisions about the treatment.

• Tooth extraction. If you have an overcrowded mouth without space for all the existing teeth you may be recommended to have one or two permanent teeth removed to make space for the remaining teeth to fit comfortably.

• Surgery. In severe cases, you may require jaw positioning surgery along with orthodontics if tooth movement by itself cannot correct your problems.

After your teeth and jaws have been evaluated by the orthodontist he or she can customize a treatment plan which often involves the use of fixed dental braces which are temporarily cemented to your teeth.

What Can You Expect After the Treatment?

Braces are highly effective in realigning your crooked teeth and helping your improperly positioned jaw to create an attractive smile and a healthy mouth.

You will be required to wear the braces for about three years and be recommended retainers indefinitely to ensure the results remain stable.

If you have chosen this treatment you must follow the instructions of your orthodontist precisely especially after the braces are removed and retainers provided. The retainer is must be worn as directed failing which the benefits provided by the braces will be lost.