Are you planning on getting the braces treatment for yourself or your child? If so, you’ll need the necessary basic information that will help you in making an informed decision.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the nitty gritty of the orthodontic / braces treatment.
Do I need braces?
The answer to this question lies in the signs and symptoms that lead to the need for braces. Thus, you or your child require braces if you notice the following signs:
1. Spacing:
If you or your child have large spaces between teeth, then it’s time you consider braces as a treatment option. Braces will produce a 3-dimensional movement and close the spaces between teeth.
2. Crossbite:
When back teeth of the upper maxilla are tipped inward in relation to the lower jaw, this phenomenon is called a crossbite. As a consequence of crossbite, gum recession and occlusal tooth wear can occur. Crossbite can be treated by the application of braces.
3. Overbite:
When the upper front teeth close on the front side of the lower teeth, this is called an overbite. This can increase the risk of fracture of the tooth.
4. Underbite:
Contrary to overbite, an underbite is the closure of upper front teeth on the back side of lower front teeth. This can lead to masticatory problems, especially problems in chewing food.
5. Crowding:
Crowding occurs when there are fewer spaces for the permanent teeth to erupt. Crowding not only leads to bad breath but can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease. The reason is that the teeth cannot be flossed or cleaned properly in cases of crowding.
If you notice any of the above phenomena in yourself or your child, you might require braces for treatment.
What age is appropriate for wearing braces?
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, the recommended age for evaluation of misaligned teeth is 7 years. In addition, the dentist usually says that the perfect age for braces is between the ages of 10 and 14. The reason lies in incomplete jaw bone development before puberty. The room for more growth within the jaw makes it an ideal case scenario for braces.
However, if you’re someone who is not in the above-mentioned age bracket, you must still visit the dentist or an orthodontist and get your evaluation done. This should be done to get a clear picture of all the treatment options by a professional.
How long will the treatment take?
Orthodontic / braces treatment is dependent on multiple factors and varies from case to case. Generally, the treatment span takes around 1 to 2 years. However, there are certain factors that might result in the delay of treatment. These factors include:
- Old age
- Number of times the bracket fell off the tooth
- Systemic disease
- Poor Oral hygiene – most common
Oral care after braces placement:
Oral care is an essential part of orthodontic treatment. If neglected, it can lead to a delay in treatment or even treatment failure. The most crucial part that needs to be cleaned is the contact area of teeth and the area beneath the braces wire. Thus cleaning with a special brush won’t be enough.
You must use a dental water flosser for the purpose of cleaning difficult areas. A water flosser is a device that uses a beam of water that cleans the teeth effectively in places where a brush can’t reach. In addition to a water flosser, you must also use a sonic electric toothbrush instead of a manual one. It has the following advantages:
- 4X plaque removal
- Improved gum health
- Prevention of inflammation of gums and associated structures
- Prevention of stains
Both, the dental water flosser and the Smart Toothbrush are available at Oclean. Not only are these handy, but are also user-friendly. Moreover, excellent user feedback has been reported.
Bottom line:
You’ll usually require braces if you have spacing, crossbite, overbite, underbite, and crowding. The ideal age for treatment is 10 to 14 years. The treatment usually takes from 1 to 2 years (varying from case to case). Oral hygiene must be strictly taken care of, or it may lead to some serious problems.
*Cover image from Freepik@tonodiaz and @ArtPhoto_studio , we will delete it if constitutes infringement *
