Braces and Aligners
Orthodontics describes the practice of straightening misaligned teeth or malocclusions. Orthodontics has additional benefits over improving cosmetic appearance. Dental braces are appliances that are used to align or straighten the teeth and guide the teeth to the corrected position. They are made up of wires, brackets, and bands. Braces aid to correct irregular teeth positioning, jaw correction, improvement in chewing, and smile aesthetics.
Your dentist is the best person to guide on treatment options and modalities depending upon dentition.
Dental issues which can be corrected by orthodontics
- The spacing between teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Crowding / haphazardly placed teeth
- Forwardly placed / proline teeth which leads to more convex profile and posteriorly displaced chin
- Improper bite that affects chewing efficiency
With braces on - Do's
- Try and avoid sticky food like gum or caramel
- Ask for a mouth guard if you play a sport
- Consume drinks which are low on sugar content and not carbonated
- Brush after every meal and never let food stuck on your braces
- Visit your dentist on every follow-up
With braces on - Don'ts
- Don’t chew hard food and ice
- Do not bite your fingernails
- Do not consume more than one soda a week
- Do not forget to floss
FAQs
The cost of orthodontics depends on the type of treatment and how long it will take to treat your mouth. Your dentist or orthodontist will recommend a treatment option best suited to you and give you an estimate of the price and payment options during your consultation visit.
The total duration of wearing dental braces depends on multiple factors that include the condition of teeth and compliance to oral care practices. Usually, the duration may vary from 18-36 months.
There is a variety of braces available, and it depends on the patient getting them. If the patient wishes so, they can even get transparent/ceramic braces as well.
Getting or having braces is not painful. However, slight discomfort and soreness are usual after getting them. Apart from this, metal braces may feel a little tight after getting them readjusted on a follow-up visit to the orthodontist.