We are used to the idea that braces are something that people usually go through as early as adolescence. But in the modern world, the tendency is that even the elderly people today resort to the help of corrective dental constructions. Despite this, many continue to treat braces either with a degree of skepticism, or with outright apprehension: it seems that this is an expensive and often unjustified pleasure, which, moreover, causes a lot of unpleasant sensations and even pain. We decided to figure out where the truth is in all this and how these wonderful constructions actually work.
Why Braces?
The main purpose of braces is to correct maxillofacial imperfections. It may sound daunting, but in reality they are working on malocclusion, jaw position, uneven teeth, all without any surgical intervention.
At first glance, it seems that the advice of an orthodontist to put braces may not be urgent and urgent, but it is not entirely true. We are accustomed to the fact that urgent measures require only that which hurts - for example, an advanced stage of caries. However, maxillofacial defects can also lead to rather unpleasant consequences, including headaches and ear pains, tooth decay, gum disease, and even speech problems. As a rule, considerate parents try to correct the bite and line of teeth in their children between the ages of 10 and 14, when the head and mouth are not yet formed. However, this does not prevent adults from using braces as well.
What types of braces are there?
Today there are a huge number of types of braces, so in consultation with an orthodontist, you always have the opportunity to choose exactly the option that is ideal for your specific problem.
The most common are braces with small metal braces that are attached to the front of the teeth with a wire running between them. In doing so, you can change the color and design of the structure to make it less visible and feel more comfortable every time you smile. Modern technologies also offer so-called invisible (in fact - white) braces to dental clinic clients, but you will have to pay an additional amount of money for this pleasure.
However, for some, the case does not end with braces: for example, after the braces are removed, many patients have to wear a special retainer in order to fix the result obtained and not leave the teeth to bend again. In this regard, it is very important to wear the designs exactly as much as the orthodontist has recommended to you - not a week, not a month less. We talk about this in more detail in the next paragraph.
How long should braces be worn?
As practice shows, two years is quite enough to cope with bite defects, uneven teeth line and correct the position of the jaws. But it all depends on the individual characteristics - the general condition of your teeth and the nature of the problem. For those who want to improve the bite faster, there are a number of surgical methods to speed up the process, but all of them are quite painful and are rarely used in everyday practice.
What is the best age to wear braces?
Here the answer is simple and clear - at any age. As a rule, braces are associated with adolescence, but in fact there is no age limit for their installation, so do not succumb to the influence of stereotypes if a beautiful smile has become one of your main goals for the coming year. As long as your gums and teeth are strong and healthy enough, you can safely use braces. But if so, then you need to assess all the risks and odds with a treating orthodontist. The fact is that braces put a lot of pressure on the gums and if their condition leaves much to be desired, then, most likely, any pressing constructions on the teeth are not your option (read also: "10 habits that harm your teeth").
Does braces hurt?
It's also worth noting that braces are not painless and yes, they can be unpleasant. Pain most often appears at two points: at the time of installation and at the time of pulling. If your teeth are crowded and are too closely spaced, then chances are your orthodontist will first install rubber rods or spacers between your back teeth. This will help create extra space for the metal rings that will surround your molars. After that, the teeth may hurt for several days, but after a while this should go away.
After a week or so, the orthodontist will put on the braces themselves. At the first time after installation, it is better to abandon the consumption of solid foods and switch to drinking mixtures, cereals and dishes with a soft consistency. Make sure you follow all the instructions given by your dentist and do not consume foods that are prohibited while you are wearing braces. Most often, they include nuts, popcorn, caramel, and chewing gum.
The pressure exerted on the teeth by the construction of braces can also lead to unpleasant sensations during twisting sessions, however, in any case, all your "torment" will pay off in full only later - with a beautiful smile and correct bite.
How to properly clean your mouth with braces?
Braces can leave you with advanced caries in every other tooth if you don't brush your teeth thoroughly after meals. If it is not of sufficient quality, then the leftover food behind the braces will do the trick and will lead to the fact that after removing the construction you will have to restore the health of your teeth for a long time to the attending dentist, or even worse - the surgeon. In addition to the usual dental cleaning products, you need to buy everything you need for flossing (flossing), and, if possible, other devices that are designed specifically for those who wear braces - they should be recommended in each individual case by the attending orthodontist (see also: “Dental cosmetics: unusual products for the beauty and health of teeth and gums ").
Photo: Getty Images
Related materials
- Denticure, LED teeth lighting and 8 more stomatological procedures that our mothers did not know about
- Habits that age your teeth
- How dentists help fight aging, or What is dental face lifting
- What is microblading and do you need it