Dental braces align, straighten, and help position them with regard to your bite. In the end, they also help improve dental health. Teeth move as a result of force and pressure on the teeth. The process loosens the tooth after which new bone grows to support the tooth in its new position.
Age
Nobody is too old to align their teeth, although starting off with the treatment earlier is better. The treatment can take between one to two years depending on your case. But in some cases, you might have the braces for a longer time. This could be seven years.
Let’s look at the most important aspects before getting the treatment.
What Kind of Braces Are There?
When you say “braces” you probably think of mental wires. Well, these are the most used to align teeth. These are made of metal brackets that are glued individually to each of your teeth. An archwire puts pressure on your teeth and jawline, and elastic O-rings connect the archwire to the brackets.
Others include:
- ceramic “clear” braces, which are less visible
- lingual braces, which are placed completely behind your teeth
- invisible braces, also called aligner trays, which can be taken off and placed back on throughout the day.
Cost
If you’re looking for how much braces cost and how long you need to have them on, there’s no clear answer. Every dental practice has different prices, and how long the braces need to stay on depends on the current condition of your teeth.
In truth, dental braces aren’t cheap.
Invisible braces are more expensive than standard metal ones because they’re more difficult to manufacture. Just because they’re more expensive doesn’t mean that they’re a better option for your teeth. Your dentist will be able to give you advice on what kind of brackets and aligners are compatible with your mouth.
Maintaining braces
You will have to say goodbye to certain foods, such as sugarcane. Chewing will be difficult and uncomfortable. Plus you will not be in a position to bite into apples and nuts.
When you have braces your teeth are more inclined to trap food that causes tooth decay. It will be important and needful to brush your teeth after meals and avoid sugary foods.
You will always visit the dental clinic.
Lastly, you will need to visit the orthodontist for adjustment every 2 weeks to one month. They do a checkup to make sure that your oral health is good, change the O-rings, and clean your teeth.