Dental braces work to realign teeth over the course of months or years. Installed by an orthodontist, braces come in a variety of styles and materials. Proper care of the teeth during the period when braces are installed and for a little while after their removal can help ensure the end goal of straight, properly aligned teeth.
Purpose
Braces are used to correct a misalignment of the teeth or to prevent teeth from becoming misaligned as they grow. For example, they can be used to treat people with an overbite or underbite caused by a difference in size of the upper and lower jaws. They can also be used to treat crowded teeth or a mouth with extra or missing teeth.
Types
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are three basic types of braces. Brackets attached to the front of teeth with a bonding cement can be made of plastic, metal or cement, depending on the preference of the orthodontist and patient. Metal band braces wrap around the entire tooth and are not in common use anymore. Lingual brackets are bonded to the back of the teeth where no one can see them. Traditional braces use metal wires to connect the brace on each tooth so that the braces can work together as a cohesive unit. An alternative to braces is a clear removable aligner, such as those sold under the Invisalign brand.
Usage
Dental braces are placed in the mouth by an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in misaligned teeth and jaws. Once placed on the teeth, the braces slowly realign the teeth into a correct configuration. The bony socket beneath the teeth adapts to this realignment, changing shape to support the new configuration of teeth within the mouth. According to the Cleveland Clinic, braces are usually left on for one to three years. During this time, a patient usually visits the orthodontist about once a month until the braces are removed.
Care
According to the Nemours Foundation, individuals with braces should pay special attention to cleaning the mouth and teeth. Daily brushing is recommended, and the braces should be visually inspected in a mirror to make sure no food particles are caught in the brackets or wires. Hard and sticky foods should be avoided while braces are in the mouth. If braces are causing canker sores due to rubbing against the sides of the mouth or tongue, over-the-counter medication can be used to numb the area and speed healing.
Age
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the ideal age for getting braces is between 10 and 14 years old. Nonetheless, anyone can get braces once their baby teeth have fallen out and their permanent teeth have begun to grow in.
Results
Once the braces are removed, a retainer is usually used for up to two years to ensure that the jaw and mouth will retain the correct configuration. The benefits of having had braces soon becomes apparent as they create a straighter smile and more comfortable mouth.
