Braces
Braces are fixed onto teeth for the duration of treatment. They have brackets that are cemented onto teeth surfaces. These are powered by thin archwires and sometimes by elastics. Teeth can be moved precisely by adjusting the direction and amount of force applied to any specific tooth. Usually, fixed braces have metal brackets, but ceramic brace brackets are available and are more discreet but cost a little more.
Who Should Consider Braces?
Braces can help people of all ages and are no longer just for children. We see an increasing number of adults who may have worn braces during childhood and have seen their teeth shift with age, as well as those who didn’t have the opportunity for treatment earlier. It is worth investigating braces and orthodontic treatment if you have any of the following problems:
- 🦷 Crooked or overlapping teeth
- 🦷 Unsightly spaces between teeth
- 🦷 Bite issues where your teeth do not meet together evenly
- 🦷 Difficulty brushing and flossing tightly packed or crooked teeth
- 🦷 Problems with chewing or jaw pain
Braces can also help people with teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) due to a poor bite (malocclusion). Over time, teeth grinding can significantly damage the teeth and gums and place the jaw joints, called temporomandibular joints, under considerable stress. Correcting any malocclusion can protect teeth and jaw joints.
Will I Need Teeth Removed?
Orthodontics is frequently needed when a jaw is too small to accommodate all the teeth present. Removing some teeth helps to create more room so the remaining teeth can be realigned correctly. However, we always try to avoid removing healthy teeth whenever possible and prefer to look at other options first. A jaw is often too small because of other forces that have affected its development, such as oral habits like mouth breathing or thumb sucking. Sometimes we can provide specific appliances or recommend facial exercises to help create a wider jaw so all the teeth can be realigned without needing tooth extractions. This approach can help to create an optimal facial profile.
What to Expect When You Wear Braces?
It can take time to become accustomed to wearing any new appliance, and initially, your braces might feel a bit strange. Some discomfort is perfectly normal as your teeth are being moved into new positions, but if you experience any pain, please get in touch with us so we can adjust your brace. You will need to spend longer on your oral care routine, ensuring you clean around all the brackets and wires thoroughly, but we will show you how to do this and use any special tools such as floss threaders.