When most people think of getting braces, they consider how crooked their teeth are or the severity of their bite. These may seem like purely cosmetic reasons for installing braces, but the truth it, poorly aligned or spaced teeth can lead to serious dental and health problems. If you find it difficult to get in and around your teeth for cleaning and flossing, or your dental hygienist has found more than normal plaque and tartar build up, you may want to consider taking measures to adjust your teeth. And, if you are the parent of a child with crooked or misaligned teeth, it is important to deal with your child’s problem as soon as possible.
If your dentist suspects you may need braces, he will refer you to an orthodontist. Orthodontists work to repair problems in your mouth concerning the positioning of your teeth. There may be gaps, overcrowding, individual teeth that are crooked, or problems with jaw alignment. These problems may be uncomfortable for you and create difficulty chewing or you may not even realize there is a problem until you look in the mirror. Even if you are not in pain, it is important to take the advice of your dentist and orthodontist. They understand the consequences of leaving your misaligned teeth untreated. According to Dr. Farshad Bakhtyari of Premier Dental Care, “Periodontal disease is the number one reason for tooth loss in the world.” It can be avoided by making teeth easy to care for.
What You Should Know about Braces
The purpose of braces is to move teeth. This shift usually creates additional benefits and leads to better oral health. Braces may include additional hardware like headgear, elastic bands, and wires. Each of these tools applies pressure to the teeth, slowly adjusting their positioning. Some people who are about to get braces may wonder if they will hurt. Typically, some pain is associated with their installation, but it will decrease after a few days. Throughout the time you are wearing braces, they may need to be adjusted or tightened, and with each of these adjustments, you may feel another couple of days of pain. If a patient were to experience pain or discomfort for more than a week, call the orthodontist because there may be a serious problem. Occasionally, a wire may tangle, break or become loose. This can stab your gums and be uncomfortable, but as long as you visit your orthodontist as soon as possible it should not be serious.
The important thing to remember about braces is they may not only be for cosmetic purposes. While some parents and adults decide to install braces just to ensure a straight smile, braces are corrective and preventative. If your dentist recommends braces, do not despair. If you are a teenager, chances are many of your peers are already wearing braces or will be getting them soon. Many kids like to match their elastics or get colored plates in their braces for trendy, decorative purposes. If you are an adult getting braces, speak with your dentist about clear options as many choices today are barely noticeable.
If you have crooked, misaligned teeth or your jaw placement is not optimal, braces may be a part of healthy dental care plan for you. Consider the problems you may experience if you do not treat the issues with braces before they become a major problem. Crooked teeth can lead to plaque buildup, decay, and eventually, loose or deadened teeth. Do not let your poor dental health ruin your smile: Care for your teeth and incorporate braces into your dental health plan if necessary.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
