Have you ever looked in the mirror and smiled and thought, "Oh my, why are my teeth so crooked?" Maybe there are big gaps between your teeth. Or maybe your teeth are crowded together. Some people are afraid to smile because of things like this. So the best solution for this is a wire band that is placed to straighten your teeth, or as we all know it, 'Teeth Braces'. Today, we will talk about all this.
What exactly are braces?
Simply put, braces are a device that straightens your teeth and corrects various problems with your teeth. The main problems it solves are:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Malocclusion is a condition where the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly.
Usually, children and young people use these most often. But it is now very common for older people to resort to this treatment. In fact, only 20% of people who receive this treatment worldwide are over the age of 18. Most often, this treatment is performed by doctors who specialize in straightening teeth, called ``Orthodontists''. However, some general dentists also provide this service.
How do these braces straighten teeth?
What happens here is very simple. We apply a small, uniform pressure (thrust) to the teeth. Think of it like we are pushing something slowly and gradually bringing it into the right place. That's how, over time, the teeth slowly and steadily move into their proper positions due to this pressure. The way this happens may vary slightly depending on the type of braces you choose.
What types of braces are there?
There are several types of braces used to straighten teeth. Choosing the type that is best for you will depend on several factors, such as the type of problem you have, its severity, and your personal preferences.
| Brace type | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Metal Braces | This is the most traditional type that we all know. Small brackets made of stainless steel are glued to each tooth, one at a time, and a wire is passed over them. This wire is tightened with small rubber bands (ligatures). These are visible when you smile. |
| Ceramic Braces | These work in the same way as metal wires. However, since the frames and wires are the same color as the teeth, they are not as obvious. However, they can break a little faster than metal wires. |
| Lingual Braces | These are just like traditional braces, but they are attached to the back of the teeth, that is, the side where the tongue is. So they are not visible from the outside at all. |
| Self-Ligating Braces | From the outside, it looks like a regular metal wire. The difference is that instead of those little rubber bands, there is a special built-in system to hold the wire in place. |
| Clear Aligners | This is also called "invisible braces." Invisalign® is a popular brand. Instead of braces, you use a set of clear plastic trays that are custom-made for your teeth. You need to replace them every two weeks. These can be removed, but they must be worn for at least 22 hours a day. |
What is the best age for this treatment?
Actually, there is no age limit for this. But usually the best time is between the ages of 9 and 14. Because at that time the jawbone and facial bones are still growing, they are more flexible. Therefore, it is easier to move the teeth. This treatment is just as effective in adults, but it may take a little longer to get the desired results.
In short, you can achieve a beautiful smile at any age. It's never too late!
How long does it take to see results after getting braces?
The answer to this question varies from person to person. On average, it takes about two years to complete the entire treatment. However, it depends on the condition of your teeth. Some people can complete the treatment in less than 12 months. Others may take up to three years.
Does it hurt when I get braces? What are the minor inconveniences?
It is normal to feel a little discomfort and soreness for a few days after the first wire is inserted. Also, this kind of pain may occur every time the doctor tightens the wire. But this is not unbearable pain.
Common side effects are:
- Temporary pain in the early days and after the wire is tightened.
- A tingling sensation on the tongue, lips, or inside of the cheeks.
- Jaw pain.
- Difficulty eating (especially after the wire is tightened).
For most of these discomforts, you can take a simple pain reliever. However, doctors recommend avoiding NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil®) because they can interfere with the teeth's movement. Therefore, it's best to talk to your doctor about using something like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) .
How do you take care of your oral health while wearing braces?
If you have braces, it's even more important to keep your mouth clean because food can get stuck around the braces and the brackets, causing plaque to build up, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Your dentist will give you detailed instructions on this, but in general, keep these points in mind:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss between your teeth and around your braces at least once a day. Ask your doctor about special types of floss you can use for this.
- Rinse your mouth twice a day with an alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Avoid eating heavy, breakable, and sticky foods.
- Meet the doctor on the scheduled dates to have the wires tightened and maintenance performed.
Good and bad foods to eat
It is easiest to eat bland foods for the first few days after getting braces. Once the discomfort is gone, you can start eating normal foods. However, there are some foods that you should not eat during the entire treatment period.
| Good things to eat (especially in the early days) | Things that are not good/dangerous to eat |
|---|---|
| Pasta, noodles Well-cooked vegetables Steamed potatoes Eggs Yogurt, skim milk Types of soups Soft fruits (bananas, papayas) Oats | Toffee, chewing gum (sugary) Nuts like cashews and peanuts Popcorn Haiya Biscuit Chewing ice cubes Hard vegetables/fruits like carrots and apples (it is better to cut them into pieces) Sugarcane trees, Waraka Madulu |
What happens after treatment ends?
After your braces are removed, you will need to wear a retainer to stop your teeth from moving back into their old positions. This should also be used exactly as your doctor recommends. Only then will you be able to keep your beautiful smile.
Take-Home Message
- Braces are a successful treatment that straightens crooked teeth and provides a beautiful and healthy smile.
- This treatment can be done at any age. Age is not an issue.
- During treatment, you need to take extra care of your oral health. Brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly is essential.
- Avoiding hard and sticky foods can help prevent damage to your braces.
- A little pain and discomfort at first is normal. Don't worry about it. If you have any problems, see your dentist right away.
- After treatment is complete, it is very important to use the retainer your doctor prescribes exactly to maintain the results.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න