A beautiful smile is truly the most precious thing a person can have. But sometimes our teeth are a little crooked, or there are gaps between our teeth, or our teeth are crowded together. You may have felt like you couldn't even smile because of these problems. Here is a globally accepted and very successful solution to that problem: dental braces, or as we all know them, 'braces'.
Simply put, what are these braces?
Dental braces are a device that straightens your teeth and corrects many dental problems. This is also called orthodontic dentistry. Braces are commonly used for the following problems:
- Crooked teeth: Teeth that are not straight and are turned this way and that.
- Crowded teeth: Teeth that are crowded together due to lack of space in the mouth.
- Gapped teeth: A large gap between two teeth.
- Malocclusion: The upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly.
We often see young children and school-age people wearing braces. But it's actually quite common among adults too. In fact, 20% of people wearing braces in the world are over 18 years old. So age is not an issue here.
This treatment is usually performed by orthodontists, but some general dentists also provide this service.
Okay, how do these braces straighten your teeth?
What happens here is very simple. Braces apply mild, constant pressure to your teeth. Think of it like using a small stick to straighten a plant. Over time, the plant will grow straight. That's how the constant pressure slowly pushes the teeth into their proper positions and makes them sit up nicely. The way this process works can vary slightly depending on the type of braces you choose.
Are there types of braces?
Yes, absolutely. Nowadays, there are several types of braces to suit different needs. The best type for you depends on several factors. For example, the type of problem you have with your teeth, its severity, and your personal preferences. Let's take a look at the main types.
| Brace type | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Traditional Metal Braces | This is the type that we are most familiar with and have seen. Small brackets made of stainless steel are glued to each tooth, and an archwire is passed over them. Small rubber bands (ligatures) are used to hold this wire in place. These rubber bands come in a variety of colors. |
| Ceramic Braces | These work just like metal braces. The only difference is that the brackets are made of a ceramic material that matches your teeth's color. So they don't show as much when you smile. But they can break a little faster than metal ones. |
| Lingual Braces | These are similar to traditional braces, but they are not attached to the outside of the teeth, but to the tongue (inside) . Therefore, they are not visible from the outside at all. These are most often chosen by people who do not want to show others that they have braces. |
| Self-Ligating Braces | From the outside, they look just like traditional braces. The main difference is that instead of those little rubber bands that hold the wire in place, this bracket has a special clip-like system built into it. |
| Clear Aligners | These are also called "invisible braces." They have no wires or brackets. Instead, you get a set of clear plastic trays that fit your teeth exactly. Invisalign® is a popular brand. You have to change to a new one about every two weeks. You can take them out to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. But you have to wear them for at least 22 hours a day. |
Is there a best age to get braces?
In short, you're never too old to get your teeth fixed.
However, the best time to get braces is usually between the ages of 9 and 14. This is because at that time, the jawbone and facial bones are still growing and are more flexible. This means it is easier to move the teeth around and into the right position.
But that doesn't mean that adults can't get braces. This treatment is 100% successful for adults too. But it may take a little longer than for younger people to get the expected results. That's the difference.
How long does it take?
The answer to this question varies from person to person. On average, braces treatment takes about two years to complete. However, it varies depending on the severity of your dental condition. Some people can complete treatment in less than 12 months. Others may take up to three years.
What are the benefits beyond a beautiful smile?
We all know that the biggest benefit of getting braces is getting a straight, beautiful set of teeth. But there are many other health benefits as well.
- Teeth are easier to clean: When your teeth are straight and in order, it's much easier to brush and floss. This means less food gets stuck.
- Helps prevent cavities and gum disease: Good oral hygiene reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Correcting TMJ disorders: Some people have problems with their jaw joints, such as pain and clicking sounds. These problems can also be alleviated when the position of the teeth is corrected.
- Corrects activities like chewing and speaking: Some people have difficulty chewing food and pronouncing certain words because their teeth are not positioned properly. Braces can also correct these.
Simply put, dental braces are an investment that will improve the beauty, health, and function of your smile.
What are the common side effects of getting braces?
There are some minor, temporary discomforts you should expect when getting braces. These are normal and nothing to worry about.
- Temporary pain: This is usually felt on the first day of braces and during the days when the doctor tightens the wires.
- Scratching/soreness on the tongue, lips, or inside of the cheeks: New braces may cause some scratching until your mouth adjusts to them.
- Jaw pain: You may also feel a little pain in your jaw as your teeth move.
- Difficulty eating: Chewing food can be a little difficult, especially after braces because your teeth are sensitive.
Most of these discomforts can be controlled with simple painkillers. You can use a special type of wax called dental wax to help with the pain inside your mouth. You can get relief by taking a small piece of it and placing it over the painful bracket.
Does it hurt a lot to get braces?
No. Braces usually don't cause severe pain. You may feel more discomfort than pain for a few days after you first put them on and for a few days after the braces are tightened.
In times like these, you can take a painkiller containing acetaminophen (e.g. Panadol). However, research suggests that it is better to avoid taking NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) such as ibuprofen . This is because NSAIDs block substances called prostaglandins that help the body heal. Therefore, it can interfere with the process of tooth movement. Talk to your doctor about this and get advice.
How do you take care of braces while wearing them?
You need to take extra care of your oral health when you have braces because food particles and plaque can easily build up around the brackets and wires, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on this, but here are some general guidelines:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Floss between your teeth and around your braces once a day . (There are special types of floss made specifically for braces, ask your doctor about them.)
- If you use clear aligners, clean them daily and store them in their proper case when not in use.
- Rinse your mouth twice a day with an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky foods (e.g., crackers, toffee, taffy, popcorn, etc.).
- Visit the doctor on the scheduled days to tighten and maintain your braces.
- See your dentist regularly for routine dental checkups and cleanings.
| Good things to eat (especially in the early days) | Things to definitely avoid |
|---|---|
| Pasta, noodles Well-cooked vegetables Mashed potatoes Eggs Yogurt, skim milk Types of soup Soft fruits (bananas, mangoes) Oats, porridge | Nuts (cashews, peanuts) Toffee, caramel, chocolate Corn, popcorn, popcorn Hard vegetables/fruits like carrots and apples eaten raw (can be cut into pieces) Chewing ice cubes Very sticky things (lollipops, chewing gum - sugar-free is fine) |
What do you do after removing braces?
After your braces treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer . A retainer is a device that prevents your teeth from moving back into their old positions.
If you don't use your retainer, you could lose all the hard work you put into your braces. That's why it's so important to wear it exactly as your doctor tells you.
There are many types of retainers, and your doctor will decide which one is best for you.
When to see the doctor
Without any major complications, call your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- If you have severe pain that does not subside even after taking medication.
- If a wire or bracket in the braces breaks or comes loose.
- If you have an accident or injury to your face or mouth.
- If your gums are bleeding or show signs of infection.
Braces are a good investment in your health and self-confidence. With so many different options to choose from these days, your doctor can help you decide what's best for you.
Take-Home Message
- Braces are a treatment that can be successfully performed not only on young children, but also on adults of any age.
- This not only results in a beautiful smile, but also improves the overall health of your teeth and mouth.
- It is normal to experience some discomfort during the initial stages of treatment and after the wires are tightened, but this can be managed.
- It is extremely important to keep your teeth and mouth clean while wearing braces.
- After the treatment is complete, be sure to wear the retainer your doctor gives you as directed. Otherwise, your teeth may recede again.
- Talk to your doctor to decide which type of braces is best suited to your problem.
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