Traditional Braces
Ocoee, FL
 If your teeth aren’t exactly where they should be you might want to consider braces. Yes, they are rather noticeable and a lot of maintenance, but this is a short-term payoff for long-term advantages. Sometimes this mouthful of metal is simply the means to an end, and that end is a dazzling smile that will last for years. If you are thinking about getting braces or feel like you need some sort of corrective dental treatment, Classic Smiles is here to help.
Defining Braces
Braces are wired appendages placed on the teeth to correct misalignment of teeth or even the jaw. Most people get them as children or in their teenage years, but it is not unusual to see an adult with braces. They are designed to properly align teeth and/or the jaw for proper alignment which results in an even bite (correcting overbites) and a great smile.
For minor corrections, clear aligners or invisible braces might be sufficient. For those with more significant dental problems, traditional braces might be necessary to correct these issues. Such issues include overcrowded or crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, overjets (horizontal overlap), an underbite (upper front teeth biting behind lower ones), and other conditions that cause jaw misalignments thus uneven bites. Braces are certainly an option for adults, but since they have all of their permanent teeth, it will take longer to see results.
Life with Braces
Getting Braces is considered a very safe procedure with opportune results. However, there are some things to take into consideration. Braces create tiny spaces around the teeth that are perfect hiding places for food particles. This results in traps for these particles which breed bacteria-rich plaque deposits. If you have braces, get ready for flawless oral hygiene. Failure to remove food deposits, thus preventing plaque, can lead to loss of minerals in the enamel which causes permanent stains and tooth decay (cavities) and/or gum disease.
There are some long-term risks associated with braces. These include shorter root length and a loss of correction. To delve deeper into these risks, shorter root lengths means that during tooth movement, some bone around moving teeth can dissolve while being replaced by new bone. This results in the shortening of tooth roots which increases the risk of less stable teeth. After all, the roots of your teeth are the “anchors” that hold them firmly in place.
Another concern is loss of correction. If a patient does not follow instructions carefully after braces are removed, they might lose some of the correction the braces provided. This means going through the process all over again. In addition to following your doctor’s instructions, there are other ways of reducing these risks when you have braces. These include cutting back on starchy and sugary foods, brushing carefully, using a fluoride rinse, flossing, avoiding sticky foods, visiting us for regular checkups, and most important of all, following medical instructions.
If you feel like braces might be a good option, Classic Smiles will gladly answer your questions and discuss your options. Give us a call today at for the first step in shaping a beautiful smile. |
