The Process of Getting Braces

If your doctor or orthodontist believes you need braces, they will start by examining your teeth visually.

They will then set up an appointment to take X-rays and make molds and impressions so that they have a clear record of how your mouth currently looks.

These records will help them establish the problem and what course of action to take.

A short time before you receive the braces, spacers are added into your mouth to make sure there is enough space for the bands.

An adhesive will be applied to the teeth to help the cement bond to the surface of the tooth.

In most cases the teeth will be banded and then brackets will be added.

The bracket will be applied with dental cement and light may be used and to help harden it. This may takes a few seconds for each tooth.

Molar bands may be needed to ensure the brackets stay in place.

Bands may also be needed if previous dental treatment such as fillings cause problems with attaching the bracket.

Once the brackets have been added, an archwire is threaded between them. This is fixed in place by ligatures, which may be elastic or metal.

Archwires are tightened frequently to help deliver the results required.

Brackets and or hooks may be added to the archwire for affixing the elastic.

Braces often use nickel-titanium archwires and temperature-sensitive materials. The archwire is flexible when cold and, when it is heated to body temperature, it stiffens and tries to retain its shape so this creates constant light pressure on the teeth.

There are now many different types of braces and the exact procedure may vary depending on the specific option you choose.

When to Take Your Child to the Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed extra study in how to straighten teeth by bringing the teeth, jaw bones and facial profile into proper alignment.

The best time for a child to visit an orthodontist is between the ages of five and seven.

They are already beginning to get permanent teeth and any problems from overbite and crowding will be noticeable.

As most growth happens before age 10, it is easier to achieve the desired outcome before that age.

Even in the teenage years, results may be less effective and sometimes teeth may even need to be removed.

Visiting an orthodontist when children are younger can therefore help to ensure any possible problems are dealt with early at minimum cost and inconvenience.

Orthodontic treatment can deliver results at any age but taking action early could save money while giving your child a better smile.

What an orthodontist can do for you

Orthodontic treatment is about straightening out crooked and crowded teeth and may use special appliances such as braces.

While most dentists can deal with minor orthodontic problems, they will often refer patients to an orthodontist for more specialist care.

Orthodontists are dentists with additional training and they specialize in the treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

One of the key aspects of orthodontics is straightening teeth and correcting jaw alignment.

This can be done through braces, corrective procedures and other 'appliances'.

There are two types of braces:

- Removable: The patient can take these out of their mouth at any time

- Fixed Braces: These are worn all the time and have to be removed by a dentist

The length of time a person needs to wear braces varies depending on the condition but most people wear braces for between one and three years.

After the braces are no longer needed, the person usually need to wear a 'retainer' for some time that holds teeth in their new position.

Modern braces are much more comfortable than ever and usually require fewer adjustments than older apparatus.

Different Types Of Orthodontic Braces

Orthodontists use dental braces to help move your teeth into a better position in your mouth so that they look and function better.

There are now many different types of braces available.Here are some of the main types.

Traditional braces are where brackets are chemically bonded to each tooth.

The brackets may be metal or ceramic. Wire is run through the brackets to move the teeth.

Ligatures are then used to keep the wire in place.

Traditional braces are still one of the most recommended options by orthodontist and are very effective in moving teeth.

Self Ligating braces do not use ligatures and they are best known by the brand Damon Braces.

These braces can have a quicker treatment time and require fewer visits to your orthodontist.

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces but the brackets go on the back of the tooth.

These are used when the cosmetic appearance is important.

Invisible braces have become very popular under the Invisalign brand because of their cosmetic benefits.

Patients are given plastic trays called aligners to move the teeth and these are swapped out about every 2 weeks.

The best choice for you will depend on your dental needs and personal preferences.

Your dentist or orthodontist will advise you on the best option for you.

Why Teenagers Need Braces

The idea of getting braces may at first be daunting to a teenager.

But the benefits definitely make it worthwhile.

It may be hard to believe at first but the long-term benefit is a better smile that makes you look great.

Truth is about 70% of US teenagers need braces so, if you look around your class, probably about two out of three of your friends have braces or will have them soon.

Just take a look in the mirror and decide if you like your smile.

Whatever you think now, your orthodontist will make your smile even better.

Think about how much that will boost your social life.

However, it's not just about your smile, there are many health benefits of braces:

- You will be able to chew your food better: When teeth are not straight, you can't chew your food correctly. This can cause an upset stomach.

- You will avoid dental problems: If you do not get orthodontic treatment when you need it, your teeth will be hard to clean and your gums will hurt.

- You may avoid developing a breathing problem: The roof of your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose. This causes you to snore loudly and may contribute to a condition called "sleep apnea".

Therefore braces can make a big difference to your life both now and in the future.

The Future of Orthodontics and Braces

While steps have been taken to straighten teeth for hundreds of years, the biggest steps forward have come in the last few years.

Dentists had known for many years that removable plastic appliances could move teeth.

Some even made simple plastic "aligner trays" for minor adjustments.

But a major step forward was the invention of Invisalign.

This was the brainchild of Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth, graduate students in Stanford University's MBA program.

Wirth had traditional braces in high school and Chishti had adult treatment with traditional braces and now wore a clear plastic retainer.

Chishti noticed that if he didn't wear his retainer for a few days, his teeth shifted slightly - but that the plastic retainer soon moved his teeth back to the desired position.

In 1997, using 3-D computer imaging graphics, they created the Invisalign method.

The dental profession - perhaps understandably - was initially skeptical because of their lack of professional dental training.

But, when Invisalign braces became available to the public in 2000, they proved extremely popular with patients.

Technology continues to push forward the science of orthodontics and techniques such as digital computer imaging are being used to make orthodontic treatment more precise.

For example, one system takes a detailed 3-D model of a patient’s teeth to help the orthodontist develop a precise treatment plan for tooth movement.

As companies develop more precise, high-tech materials and methods, orthodontic treatment will become easier, faster and more comfortable.

How braces look good

Braces are orthodontic appliances that can help straighten out crooked and crowded teeth.

As well as making you look better, they can help improve your dental health.

Many people have been put off wearing them because of how they look but modern braces can be very inconspicuous.

One way of making them inconspicuous is by having the brackets - the part that attaches to each tooth - fixed to the back of the tooth.

The brackets can be also be made in many different materials such as metal, ceramic or plastic so they can be more attractive or less visible.

They can also be designed to appear less noticeable - say be being clear or tooth-colored.

You can also choose to have them in virtually any color. You can even have them gold-plated or glowing in the dark.

Some people like to have their braces shaped in as something distinctive such as a heart or a football.