Everything You Need to Know Concerning Traditional Braces
Teeth get misaligned due to jaw developmental issues, bad oral habits like thumb sucking or prolonged tooth loss. Misaligned teeth affect your smile, the teeth’s functioning, oral hygiene and health. Therefore, you must visit an orthodontist near you for teeth straightening. One of the options they use to align your smile is traditional braces. Read on for more about them.
What Are Traditional Braces?
These devices consist of metal brackets placed on teeth using wires and adhesives. They gradually straighten teeth and align the jaw correcting various misalignment problems. These braces are usually used on complex misalignment or bite issues. They can move teeth significantly, rectifying severe malocclusion issues.
Traditional metal braces must be customized and fitted on teeth by the orthodontist. Therefore, you will not remove them when eating or cleaning your teeth until the treatment is complete. Once the expert places them, they must tighten the wires periodically every 4-6 weeks. This provides the proper pressure to move your teeth and jaw correctly.
Orthodontics using traditional braces takes a year or more to complete. It will depend on the case’s complexity. As a result, you will visit the dentist often during the treatment. They will ensure that your teeth are cavity-free and your gums remain healthy. Once you get the desired smile, the orthodontist will remove them.
Types of Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces have been used for decades to improve smiles. In previous years, these metal teeth straightening devices were uncomfortable, large and unattractive. Fortunately, technological advancements have led to the creation of more comfortable braces. In addition, the wires are available in various colors, making them attractive.
Other types of braces resembling traditional braces are ceramic, self-ligating and lingual ones. The orthodontist may use ceramic braces if you need a more discreet method of straightening your teeth. These work like metal braces but have a transparent material. As a result, they will not be readily detectable.
The expert will use self-ligating braces if you are extremely sensitive to pain and discomfort. These braces contain a wire that moves the teeth and clips to hold the wire. Alternatively, the orthodontist may recommend lingual braces. They are expertly placed behind the teeth straightening them discreetly.
What Is a Good Age to Get Braces?
Most people wonder when is the appropriate time to get braces. Age should not dictate when to get traditional braces in Scarsdale, NY. But, beginning treatment early provides quicker results. You can start straightening your teeth once you need to, or the dentist recommends it.
Various orthodontists use different treatment approaches to correct malocclusions. For example, they may use a two-phase plan. This one requires kids to start orthodontic treatment at seven. However, other orthodontists wait until the child is 10-14. Waiting ensures that all permanent teeth have erupted and can be appropriately guided.
How to Care for Metal Braces
Metal braces are only removed when they have achieved the targeted goals. For example, the orthodontist will remove them after they have corrected your bite or straightened your teeth. As a result, the metal brackets and wires will remain on your teeth for about a year.
You must maintain excellent dental hygiene during this period to prevent plaque buildup. Good oral hygiene will prevent tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. You should also watch what you eat when using braces. Below are some tips for caring for braces.
- Use a special toothbrush to clean your teeth properly at least three times a day. Focus on the areas of your teeth in contact with the metal as they hide bacteria easily.
- Floss frequently using a floss threader to eliminate food particles between your teeth.
- Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods like popcorn, sweets, raw vegetables, chewing gum, ice, or apples. They easily damage the braces requiring you to visit the dentist for repair or a new set.
- Also, ensure that you cut your foods into bite-sized pieces. This helps you avoid chewing for a long time, as it may be uncomfortable.
- Ensure that you visit your dentist as usual for dental exams and cleanings. They will help you maintain good oral hygiene and prevent issues like cavities and gingivitis. Schedule an appointment at Smile Scarsdale for orthodontic treatment. We also offer other types of braces like clear aligners.