When is the right
time for braces?
Patients with orthodontic problems can benefit from dental treatment at nearly any age. An ideal
time for placement of braces is between 10 and 14 years of age, when the jaws and
mouth are still growing and the bone is softer. Parents should discuss and
explain the treatment with their children before braces are applied. Braces
aren't just for kids, more and more adults are also wearing braces to correct dental
problems and to improve their smile.
What kind of
braces will I have to wear?
Your dentist will know which appliance is best for your particular
problem, but you often have a choice. Braces generally come in three varieties:
metal, ceramic or lingual. Ceramic brackets are typically clear or
tooth-colored and are far less noticeable than metal brackets. Lingual or
concealed braces are brackets that attach to the inside of the teeth and so the
least noticeable. All types of braces use wires to move the teeth to the
desired position.
A new alternative to traditional braces is a series of clear,
customized and removable appliance called aligners. Not only are these braces invisible
but also removable; hence they do not trap food and plaque between the teeth
like traditional braces. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and is only to
be removed while brushing and flossing. This may be an option for adults with
mild spacing problems and is case selective. Invisible aligners are not
appropriate for children and adolescents with mixed dentition. For queries on cost of dental braces in New
Delhi, book an appointment at “32 Smile Stone Dental Clinic.”
How
long will I have to wear braces?
This depends upon your treatment plan and is different for each
case. Usually is it related to the severity of mal-occlusion, bite, spacing or
crowding of teeth and if any skeletal deformities are involved. Age also plays
a significant role in the time required for treatment. Most patients wear braces
for about 12-24 months followed by the wearing of a retainer to prevent
relapse.
Will
treatment be uncomfortable?
The inter-connecting wires of traditional braces are tightened at
each dental visit, applying mild pressure on the brackets or bands to shift the
teeth gradually into the desired position. Your teeth and jaws may feel
slightly sore after each visit but the typically the discomfort is brief. In
some cases teeth may need to be extracted for proper jaw alignment. For
patients with aligners there may be some soreness briefly as your mouth adjusts
to each new plastic tray.
Do
I have to avoid any foods or change personal habits?
Yes. Cut down on sweets, chips and soda. Sugary and starchy foods
generate acids which can cause tooth decay and promote gum disease. Cut hard
foods like carrots or apples into smaller pieces. Sticky, chewy sweets like
caramel can cause wire damage and loosen brackets. Avoid hard and crunchy
snacks that can break brackets including popcorn, nuts and hard candy.
More don'ts: ice cube chewing, thumb sucking, excessive mouth
breathing, lip biting and pushing your tongue against your teeth.
Who
will provide my orthodontic treatment?
Your general dentist is responsible for co-ordinating your dental
treatment. This encompasses any orthodontic treatment plan including diagnosis,
examinations and some orthodontic procedures. Your dentist
will co-ordinate each visit with the treating orthodontist. An orthodontist is
a specialist trained in correcting irregularities of the teeth, bite and jaw
abnormalities.
Metal Braces / Traditional Braces
Metal braces are
the most common type of braces for orthodontic patients. Today’s metal braces
are much smaller, flatter, and more comfortable than in the past. Patients of
all ages choose metal braces to help them achieve straight, beautiful smiles.
Pros: Least
expensive type, coloured bands give kids a chance to express themselves.
Cons: Most noticeable type of braces.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to the metal braces, except that they
have tooth-coloured or clear brackets that blend in to teeth. Some
even use tooth coloured wires to make it even less noticeable.
Pros: Less
noticeable than metal braces.
Cons: More expensive than metal braces,
brackets can stain easily with certain foodstuff.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are the same as
traditional metal braces, except that the brackets and wires are
placed on the inside of teeth.
Pros: Invisible from
outside.
Cons: Difficult to clean, more
expensive, case selective. Can be more uncomfortable at first; regular
adjustments take longer and are more difficult than with traditional braces.
Clear Teeth Aligners
Clear Teeth Aligners consists of a
series of many custom-made sets. These aligners are removable and are replaced
every two weeks.
Pros: Almost
invisible; Patients can eat and drink whatever they want
Cons: case selection important, only available for adults and not children. They are more
expensive, can be easily lost and costly to replace; patient compliance is
important.
