Braces are dental appliances used in Orthodontic therapy that treat abnormalities with your teeth, such as crowding, crooked teeth and out-of-alignment teeth. Teenagers quite commonly wear braces; however, they can be worn by adults too. Braces gradually straighten and align your teeth back to normal to have a normal bite as you wear them.
Misalignment of the teeth
Teeth misalignment is a prevalent issue that many people face. Some people no longer consider it a problem and instead believe it is due to the structure of their teeth. This, however, is not the case. Teeth misalignment is an actual condition referred to as malocclusion of teeth. When your teeth do not align when your jaw is closed, this is referred to as malocclusion. This could be caused by crooked teeth, an underbite or an overbite.
Types of Braces
Some variety of braces include:
- Metal/traditional braces
- Ceramic braces
- Lingual braces
- Clear aligners
What is the appropriate age for your start wearing braces?
Children with orthodontic problems can benefit from treatment at any of their age. The most suitable age for the placement of braces is 10-14 years of age, considering growing stages of the mouth and head and their response towards straightening the teeth. Braces are not confined just to kids. Many adults also wear braces to correct minor problems and improve their smiles.
Benefits of braces
Wearing braces has many more benefits than just appearance. True, orthodontic braces can give you a lovely smile, but let's look at some of the other ways they can benefit your general health.
- Gaps between teeth are filled in.
- Crooked teeth are straightened, allowing for proper tooth alignment.
- Teeth that are perfectly positioned to give you a beautiful smile.
- Prevent any health issues that may arise from dental problems, namely, dental caries and gum malady.
- Overcrowding of teeth and out-of-place teeth is rectified.
- Getting rid of misalignment boosts your overall self-confidence, which naturally improves your social and personal life.
- Braces also improve health, mainly when teeth issues causes difficulty in maintaining proper dental hygiene.
Common side effects of Braces
Mild discomfort
Some discomfort with braces is expected and is normal. Since braces function manually by shifting your teeth to the proper alignment, pain is more often felt. This can also be manifested as headaches, which are expected during toothache. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help most people relieve the pain they encounter. If headaches or pains become much worse over time, consult your dentist immediately.
Jaw pain
As a result of wearing braces, you may feel jaw pain. This is due to the correction of jaw misalignments. To control the pain, you can take over-the-counter pain medicines.
Tooth decay
Braces may contribute to tooth decay caused by germs accumulating in the mouth due to sugary foods. Patients with braces must be highly conscientious about their oral hygiene habits. Brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day are suggested.
Tooth root damage can be due to the treatment itself. Wearing braces sometimes causes the tooth's root to erode, which causes damage that needs to be fixed.
In Conclusion
Orthodontic therapy can help with a wide range of dental health issues while also saving you time and money in the long term. If you're not sure whether braces the dental gadget are right for you to correct your misaligned teeth, consider the benefits of the braces and schedule a consultation with your dentist.
