Braces

The prescribing of braces is part of a very common orthodontic approach that can be used to treat individuals most stages of development. In fact at least 70% of teenagers in the USA have been fitted with braces at some point. Applications of this type are viewed as being in the category of cosmetic dentistry and are used to improve misalignment in the teeth and jaw. Based on the problem faced by the orthodontist, braces can be prescribed to remedy underbite, overbite, misalignment of the teeth and a range of additional dental problems.The usual model for braces consists of a flexible metal wire, which is fastened to the teeth through the use of metal brackets. Initially these brackets were brightly coloured, meaning that they were quite noticeable in the mouth. However it is now possible for orthodontists to supply brackets in a selection of shades. Although generally adults choose enamel coloured brackets, many teenagers and children like brightly coloured fittings. They can also select different bracket designs, as they are now being manufactured heart and star designs. Traditional braces also must have rubber bands to be fitted to the braces, which today are available in a selection of colours. Again teenagers have fun choosing brightly coloured bands as part of their checkups with orthodontist.One of the biggest issues that confronts those who are prescribed braces is the matter of dental hygiene. Once the braces are in place it is highly challenging to properly scrub the teeth. It is therefore highly important that the orthodontist’s instructions relating to dental hygiene are followed to the letter. This is extremely important as those who wear braces have a statistically higher risk of suffering from tooth decay and further issues. Similarly the mass of metal in the mouth prevents dental X-rays from being taken while the treatment is taking place. Hence any issues in the mouth might stay hidden for one or two years. Correct dental hygiene will prevent serious difficulties from beginning however, and is therefore very important.Even though the usual metal braces are quite common, it now an option for people to get transparent braces. The only similarity between Invisalign, or clear braces, and standard braces however is that both fittings do the same thing. In the majority of features however each of these models differ greatly. Invisalign is a see-through imprint of the teeth that is created with miniscule adjustments in the positioning of the teeth. It slides on top of the teeth and gradually nudges them into position. Unlike traditional braces Invisalign should be removed, and as a result of this there are no drawbacks in terms of dental hygiene. In fact these braces may be slipped off the teeth by the user when eating and drinking, and when scrubbing the teeth. An additional principal feature of Invisalign is that these clear braces are basically invisible in the mouth. Generally adults wish to purchase transparent braces as a result of this. Braces are sometimes pricey, awkward and hard to accept. However for a lot of people they are crucial for good dental health. As well as acting cosmetically, perfecting the appearance of the mouth and the teeth, braces can also prevent some additional dental difficulties when the wearer is older.