Orthodontics: 3 Reasons Why You Want a Straight and White Smile

 

When you look in the mirror, you might see teeth that are crooked because there isn’t enough space in the mouth for all of them to grow in properly. There could be teeth that have gaps in between them. You might have difficulty eating or talking because of the condition of your teeth. Orthodontics gives more than just a beautiful smile. It can change the entire layout of your mouth.

 

Self-Esteem

One of the reasons why you might want to consider orthodontic treatment is to increase your self-esteem. If you don’t see straight teeth that give you the beautiful smile that you want, then it can play a factor on how you feel about the rest of your appearance. When you start seeing that the teeth can be straight with orthodontics, then you can feel better about the way that you look. Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teenagers who feel as though they want to have straight teeth. Adults can have the treatment as well so that they have teeth that are aligned properly to give the desired appearance.

 

Biting Down

If you notice that you have problems with biting on foods, then orthodontic treatment can solve this issue. According to the Coquitlam Centre Dental Clinic, braces can help pull the teeth into an alignment so that you have a natural bite. You won’t have the top teeth that extend over the lower jaw or bottom teeth that seem to appear as though they are in front of your mouth. Creating a natural bite can take some of the tension off of the jaws. This can decrease any headaches that you might have as well as relieve pressure on the gums and teeth.

 

Crowding

Some people have a mouth that doesn’t have enough room for all of the teeth inside. This can cause the teeth to be crooked, and if the teeth are crooked, it can be hard for them to function properly while you’re eating. When the wisdom teeth grow in, there likely won’t be room, so they will either grow under the back teeth or further push the teeth together in the front of the mouth. After a few teeth are pulled, orthodontic treatment can be used to get the teeth back in a straight line. When the teeth aren’t crowded, there will be a decrease in bacteria build up, which will decrease the chances of cavities forming or teeth chipping.

 

Orthodontic treatment is ideal for teenagers and adults who want a straight smile or if there are issues involving the teeth that need to be corrected for your overall health. The treatment doesn’t last long. Most people are out of braces or other methods of treatment in only one or two years. The smile that you have as a result will be something that you want others to see.

 

Categories: mouth, natural bite, nbsp, orthodontic treatment, orthodontics, reasons, straight, straight teeth, teeth, treatment, white smile

Breaking Down Braces Options for Adults

More adults are looking to straighten their teeth using braces. Thankfully, there are more options available for those looking for braces than ever before.

 

Invisalign

Invisalign is a teeth straightening system that employs molded plastic tooth trays that are molded to fit the patient’s teeth. The trays are designed to align the patient’s teeth. Every two weeks, the patient will change out the trays as their teeth straighten. According to studies performed by the American Dental Association, Invisalign aligners make oral hygiene easier, thereby reducing the risks of oral infections, which in turn can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. The downsides of Invisalign are the price, which is considerably more expensive than traditional braces, and the fact that they are not designed for individuals who need serious dental correction.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces appear invisible because they are designed to run across the flip side of a person’s bite. Like traditional braces, they are made up of wires and metal brackets customized to fit the patient’s teeth. Lingual braces are a good option for individuals who have moderate to severe problems with spacing between their teeth. The downside to these braces is that they are more expensive than conventional braces. Also, because of their location in the mouth, they can be difficult to keep clean.

Self-Litigating Braces

While similar in appearance to conventional braces, the main difference is that self-litigating braces use tiny plastic bands referred to as ligatures that connect to hooks on the face of the braces to hold the wire firm against the patient’s teeth. These braces are relatively easy to clean, and because they have a smoother surface, they are less irritating to the mouth. Additionally, adjustment times are shorter because the dentist will not have to replace the ligatures every time they tighten the arch wire. The number one con of these braces is that they are not entirely invisible.

Ceramic Braces

With ceramic braces, the brackets that are attached to the teeth are made of a translucent or tooth-colored material. At first glance, they seem almost invisible because they blend in with the patient’s teeth. The cons of this form of teeth alignment is that the ligatures are made from latex, which means that they can stain, thereby defeating the purpose of the translucent quality of the brackets. Ask Dr. Bruce Hartley or a dentist in your area what foods to avoid so you can keep your ceramic braces as clean and clear as possible.

The number one complaint people have about going to the dentist either to have braces applied or have other dental work done is the anxiety, the worry, and the fear about discomfort while at the dentist. However, advances in dental care sedation techniques allow dentists to provide anxiety free, pain-free dental care.

A straight smile is an essential part of having confidence and feeling good about oneself. The various forms of braces that are available for adults makes the goal of having a straight smile a reality that you can attain.

Categories: ADA, braces for adults, ceramic braces, Dentist, invisalign, lingual braces, orthodontics, self-litigating braces

Best Reasons to Choose Invisible Braces

 

There are now advanced and new options for patients who would like to straighten their teeth but wish to avoid some of the disadvantages of traditional braces. This is why many have turned to invisible braces that can be used to restore both the appearance and function of one’s teeth.

 

Shorter Treatment Period

Traditional braces can take years on end to fully restore a smile, and this means all of the disadvantages of these metal appliances are that much more daunting for those who would like to restore their smile. Luckily, invisible braces have a much shorter duration of treatment. While metal braces can potentially take upwards of five years to complete, invisible braces can often be done in just 18 months.

 

Better Comfort

One of the main disadvantages of metal braces is the discomfort that many will experience after they are installed. Instead of metal wires or brackets in one’s mouth, invisible braces are comfortable trays that are custom-made for every single patient and can be taken out at any time and for any reason.

 

Eat the Foods You Love

There is quite a long list of foods that must be avoided after metal braces have been installed. Clear braces, on the other hand, can be removed just before a meal so that patients can enjoy all of their favorite foods. If you want to brush your teeth or even eat a candied apple, you can remove and replace your invisible braces in just a few moments.

 

Almost Invisible

A major drawback of braces is the fact that patients will not fully enjoy their smile for years on end due to the appearance of the posts and wires. For those who want to continue smiling with confidence even while their teeth are becoming straighter, these invisible braces can hardly be seen while in the mouth as the clear trays have been designed to slide over one’s teeth and nearly disappear once in place. And regardless of whether you choose Patrick M. Pitts, DDS or a dentist in your particular area, this form of braces is so popular that the chances are high that your chosen provider will offer them.

 

Peace of Mind

Using traditional braces is often a trial-and-error process that requires constant checkups and adjustments from one’s dentist. With these clear trays, however, patients will know exactly what to expect from start to finish. As the teeth become straighter, custom new trays can be swapped out with a specific time frame of when the treatment will be done.

 

With these amazing advantages, every patient with crooked teeth or an uneven smile should speak to their dentist about invisible braces. In as little as 18 months you or a loved one could be once again smiling with confidence.

 

Categories: Dental, Dentist, invisalign, invisible braces, orthodontics

Orthodontics: The Dos and Don"ts of Wearing Braces

 

By Lizzie Weakley

 

 

Wearing braces will straighten teeth but they will not magically give you a perfect smile without caring for them carefully. Adult and youth-aged orthodontic patients alike are conscientious of the basics. Avoid certain foods, continue brushing and postpone enjoying sugary beverages. However, other dos and don’ts of wearing braces can be the difference between effective orthodontic treatment and setting the stage for many years of different dental problems to come.

 

The Dos of wearing braces

When wearing braces, it is crucial to:

• Only eat a few times per day


• Avoid acidic foods and enjoy low acid treats like bananas and melons


• Skip the salad dressing, opt for soup


• Use a strong fluoride toothpaste; and


• Floss and drink lots of water

 

According to C U Smile Dental Care, eating three times per day (and minimal snacks) is beneficial while wearing braces because it allows sufficient time for saliva to naturally defend against tooth decay. Eating foods that are low in acid is also important because acid wears away enamel on the teeth making them sensitive. Fluoride toothpaste is an excellent “do” for its decay fighting ability, and finally flossing is probably the most important detail to make certain is being performed while wearing braces. Drinking plenty of water helps keep the mouth moist and in healthy condition, but flossing is essential to removing sticky bacteria and maintaining gum health.

 

The Don’ts of wearing braces

Patients don’t realize the braces themselves have several crannies that can trap food, and therefore plaque. Both tooth decay and gum disease are valid risks of orthodontic treatment, which sometimes patients fail to discover until it’s too late. When wearing braces, patients should always avoid:

 

• Hard foods – they bend orthodontic wires


• Leaving on corrective rubber bands while eating and brushing


• Biting objects with teeth (to open or otherwise); and


• Picking at the braces (avoid biting fingernails)

 

Bent wires and damaged braces can prolong orthodontic treatment and create extra visits. If corrective rubber bands are left on while eating and brushing, they simply interfere with the process as well as lose elasticity rendering them ineffective. Biting objects can damage both braces and chip teeth and picking at orthodontics may damage the appliances too.

Going through orthodontic treatment is appealing because it delivers a visually-improved smile. Understanding what to do and what not to do for the sake of maintaining good oral health throughout treatment allows patients to avoid extra dental care and expense such as fillings and periodontal treatment to remedy looming gum disease as a result of their straighter smile.

 

Categories: don'ts, dos, orthodontics, wearing braces