Braces can improve appearance, improve health, make beautiful.
Braces are an orthodontic device used to straighten teeth and align the jaw properly.
Children should have a checkup for braces once they are seven years old
a long way in recent years and today, braces work faster and are less invasive than they once were
Braces are one of the things you can do for your kids to insure their health throughout their lifetime. Surveys have indicated that people who have had braces look better and feel better about themselves. They live longer and have a statistically lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Braces For Children
Although braces is a subject commonly thought to apply to teenagers, it is important for children to have an orthodontic check up by age 7. By examining the mouth while your child still has his or her baby teeth, an orthodontist can see problems with jaw growth and tooth alignment that can possibly be prevented or easily fixed. For some children, braces can be a two step process. For example younger children may benefit from getting treatment before their secondary teeth come in. For instance, if your child’s mouth is too small for all of his or her teeth, an orthodontist might be able to rectify the situation with a palatal expander to widen the jaw, to prevent having to have teeth pulled later on. Then, when secondary teeth come in, he or she can get braces.
Some kids can't wait to get braces. Others are a little worried about what it will be like or how they will look. It can help to learn more about braces, which straighten your teeth and make your smile even better looking.
Reasons to See an Orthodontist
Aside from having your child screened by an orthodontist by age 7 as a precaution, you should definitely see an orthodontist if you observe any of the following:
Your child has trouble chewing or swallowing.
He or she has lost their baby teeth early or late.
He or she breathes mostly through the mouth.
Your child sucks his or her thumb or fingers.
His or her jaw makes sounds.
His or her top and bottom teeth touch at unusual angles.
Your child’s top and bottom teeth don’t touch at all.
his or her teeth seem out of proportion with his or her face.
The cost ranges from $1,800 to $4,500, depending on the treatment's length and complexity. At an initial consultation, the orthodontist will perform a thorough exam of your child's teeth and jaw, taking X-rays and impressions
Braces for Adult
Braces aren't just for teenagers – it’s never too late to improve your dental health and beautify your smile. About 1 million Americans over the age of 18 wear braces. Your general dentist can help you determine if orthodontic treatment is the right option for you. Your general dentists may even be able to treat your orthodontic problems. You can also request an evaluation and receive treatment from an orthodontist, a specialist in diagnosing, preventing and treating improper alignment of the teeth.
Some adults never received orthodontic treatment as children to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites and underbites, incorrect jaw position or jaw joint disorders. Left untreated, these problems may result in tooth decay, gum disease, headaches and earaches, as well as speaking, biting or chewing problems.
Braces can provide adults the same benefits children receive. However, treatment may take longer than it does for children. The average adult wears braces for 18 months to three years. As with children, adults may need to wear a retainer to maintain the results of treatment after braces are removed.
The cost of braces depends on the type you select. On average, metal braces cost $5,000 to $6,000. Keep in mind that your out-of-pocket costs will likely be higher if you choose non-metal braces. Check your Evidence of Coverage, Summary Plan Description or Group Dental Service Contract to see if your dental plan covers orthodontic treatment for adults. You should also ask your dentist to submit a pre-treatment estimate (also called a predetermination) to your dental plan so you can find out in advance what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
Life With Braces
Aside from having your child screened by an orthodontist by age 7 as a precaution, you should definitely see an orthodontist if you observe any of the following:
Your child has trouble chewing or swallowing.
He or she has lost their baby teeth early or late.
He or she breathes mostly through the mouth.
Your child sucks his or her thumb or fingers.
His or her jaw makes sounds.
His or her top and bottom teeth touch at unusual angles.
Your child’s top and bottom teeth don’t touch at all.
his or her teeth seem out of proportion with his or her face.
The cost ranges from $1,800 to $4,500, depending on the treatment's length and complexity. At an initial consultation, the orthodontist will perform a thorough exam of your child's teeth and jaw, taking X-rays and impressions
Braces for Adult
Braces aren't just for teenagers – it’s never too late to improve your dental health and beautify your smile. About 1 million Americans over the age of 18 wear braces. Your general dentist can help you determine if orthodontic treatment is the right option for you. Your general dentists may even be able to treat your orthodontic problems. You can also request an evaluation and receive treatment from an orthodontist, a specialist in diagnosing, preventing and treating improper alignment of the teeth.
Some adults never received orthodontic treatment as children to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites and underbites, incorrect jaw position or jaw joint disorders. Left untreated, these problems may result in tooth decay, gum disease, headaches and earaches, as well as speaking, biting or chewing problems.
Braces can provide adults the same benefits children receive. However, treatment may take longer than it does for children. The average adult wears braces for 18 months to three years. As with children, adults may need to wear a retainer to maintain the results of treatment after braces are removed.
The cost of braces depends on the type you select. On average, metal braces cost $5,000 to $6,000. Keep in mind that your out-of-pocket costs will likely be higher if you choose non-metal braces. Check your Evidence of Coverage, Summary Plan Description or Group Dental Service Contract to see if your dental plan covers orthodontic treatment for adults. You should also ask your dentist to submit a pre-treatment estimate (also called a predetermination) to your dental plan so you can find out in advance what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
Life With Braces
It is always best to visit an orthodontist, rather than a regular dentist, even though regular dentists may offer braces. Orthodontists have advanced and specialty training where a dentist has not.
A common misconception is that it is visibly obvious that a child will need braces. This isn’t always the case. 45 percent of children need braces to fix a functional problem (like an overbite or under bite or crooked teeth). However 75 percent of children could benefit from them to improve the shape of their faces or future issues such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint ) problems. Braces can serve many other purposes besides straightening crooked teeth.
Another common misconception is that braces take a long time to do their job. It just isn’t so with today’s developments. Braces take much less time today thanks to the improvement of technology and recent educational developments. Also, braces do not have to be as “unsightly” as they once were. Today colored braces are popular as well as clear models which are hardly visible at all. Certain kinds of braces can also be fitted in the back of teeth so that they aren’t readily visible.
Braces Improve Your Health
You will be able to chew your food better.
Chewing is the first step in digestion. If your teeth are not straight, you will not be able to chew your food correctly so partially unchewed food will go down to your stomach. That can give you an upset stomach
You will avoid dental problems.
If you do not get orthodontic treatment when you need it you will have problems with your teeth for years to come; your teeth will be hard to clean. Your gums will hurt. Your teeth will wear in ways that the should not. The effects are significant enough that many adults are now going back to the orthodontist for braces.
You may avoid developing a breathing problem.
As you get older the roof your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose. That makes you snore loudly, and may contribute to a condition called "sleep apnea". If you get braces you can avoid this possibility.
Kinds of Braces
Braces come in lots of different sizes and colors.
First there are old fashioned braces. Old fashioned braces are big and clunky. They can cut your lips, and are generally uncomfortable.
A common misconception is that it is visibly obvious that a child will need braces. This isn’t always the case. 45 percent of children need braces to fix a functional problem (like an overbite or under bite or crooked teeth). However 75 percent of children could benefit from them to improve the shape of their faces or future issues such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint ) problems. Braces can serve many other purposes besides straightening crooked teeth.
Another common misconception is that braces take a long time to do their job. It just isn’t so with today’s developments. Braces take much less time today thanks to the improvement of technology and recent educational developments. Also, braces do not have to be as “unsightly” as they once were. Today colored braces are popular as well as clear models which are hardly visible at all. Certain kinds of braces can also be fitted in the back of teeth so that they aren’t readily visible.
Braces Improve Your Health
You will be able to chew your food better.
Chewing is the first step in digestion. If your teeth are not straight, you will not be able to chew your food correctly so partially unchewed food will go down to your stomach. That can give you an upset stomach
You will avoid dental problems.
If you do not get orthodontic treatment when you need it you will have problems with your teeth for years to come; your teeth will be hard to clean. Your gums will hurt. Your teeth will wear in ways that the should not. The effects are significant enough that many adults are now going back to the orthodontist for braces.
You may avoid developing a breathing problem.
As you get older the roof your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose. That makes you snore loudly, and may contribute to a condition called "sleep apnea". If you get braces you can avoid this possibility.
Kinds of Braces
Braces come in lots of different sizes and colors.
First there are old fashioned braces. Old fashioned braces are big and clunky. They can cut your lips, and are generally uncomfortable.
Metal or "traditional" braces: These come in different colors, even gold-plated versions. They are the least expensive type of braces and are widely available. One benefit is that they are strong and rarely break, which means fewer time-consuming visits to the doctor. Staining is not a problem. "Speed" braces, which involve a special type of bracket that locks onto the wire, are up to 40% faster and are more hygienic than regular versions since elastic bands normally used to attach the wire to the tooth bracket are eliminated. However, speed braces are more expensive and not as widely available yet.
Then there are modern braces. Modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than old fashioned braces. They have what is called a low profile design, which is less irritating to your lips. They also have special contours to make your orthodontic treatment go faster and be less painful.
Ceramic or "tooth-colored" braces: Although they appear to blend into the teeth, these braces can eventually become discolored from wine or coffee. They are more comfortable than metal braces, and are usually attached to teeth that show—the uppers or upper fronts. These are available as speed braces as well.
Invisible braces or "clear" braces: If patients choose to use these removable plastic trays to correct crooked teeth, they must be disciplined about wearing each tray in the series for the prescribed amount of time in order to get the best results. Food can’t get stuck between teeth with this form of orthodontics since no brackets or wires are used. Invisalign® usually takes about as long to work as ceramic or metal braces, except in patients with severe problems, but this method can be more expensive. It usually requires fewer doctor’s visits. Used to correct slight or moderate misalignment, orthodontists are increasingly following treatment with ceramic braces in more severe cases.
Lingual braces: These are braces, usually metal, that sit behind the teeth, on the tongue side. Although they are not visible, they may interfere with talking and are more expensive than other kinds of braces.
There are two main types of braces for your teeth
Fixed braces or “train tracks”
These have small squares of metal with grooves and are stuck to the tooth. The wires which are put in to the grooves help move the teeth into the right position.
Removable braces
These can be taken in and out of the mouth. They have a base made out of acrylic, which can be see-through or pink. Attached to the base are wires to hold it in position and springs to move the teeth.
How Braces Work
Braces act like magnets for food, so you need to keep your teeth especially clean while you have them on. You'll want to brush after meals and be extra careful to get out any food that gets stuck in your braces. Your orthodontist also may give you a special flosser you can use to floss in and around your braces. When your orthodontist changes your wires, ask if you can do a quick floss (it'll be easier without the wires).
You won't have to go on any special diet when you have braces, but you'll want to avoid some foods that are problems for braces. Stay away from popcorn, hard and sticky candy, and especially gum. Sugary sodas and juices can cause a problem, too, because the sugar stays on your teeth and may cause tooth decay. You can have these drinks, but be sure to brush afterward.
Because braces put pressure on your teeth, you might feel uncomfortable once in a while, especially after the orthodontist makes adjustments. If you have pain, ask your mom or dad to give you a pain reliever.
If you ever have a loose wire or bracket, or a wire that is poking you, you should see the orthodontist right away to get it taken care of. If your orthodontist can't find a problem, he or she may give you some soft wax that you can stick on the bracket that's bothering you. Then it won't rub against your mouth.
So braces can be inconvenient, but lots of kids have them and they are definitely worth the trouble. When will you know for sure? On the day your braces are removed and you can see your new and improved smile!
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