How do you know whether you need braces? Your dentist would be able to advise you in this regard after a check-up. The common problems that can be rectified with braces are overcrowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbite and under bite (prominent upper/lower front teeth), cross bite, and such others. If your condition is rectifiable with braces, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist, i.e., a practitioner specialising in diagnosing and treating such dental irregularities.
What are the initial steps for preparation? Your orthodontist would be able to guide you about the tests necessary before you start using braces. The initial consultation would include a thorough examination of the mouth, teeth and jaws. Your dentist may also recommend getting some X-rays of your teeth and jaws and getting plaster models of your bite cast to complete the diagnosis properly. In case of serious overcrowding, there may also be the need for tooth extraction.
What does the treatment incorporate? The steps in the treatment are as follows:
Placement of the teeth braces: These consist of metal/ceramic brackets attached to the surface of the front and premolar teeth, bands attached to the molar teeth, and nickel/titanium archwire that controls the movement of the teeth.
Adjustments at regular intervals: These are necessary to ensure the proper tightening of the interconnecting wires for proper alignment of teeth. Using elastic bands to increase tension between the jaws may also be necessary.
Use of a retainer: Fixed or removable, the retainer is necessary to ensure that the newly aligned teeth do not shift to their original position. Made from metal and plastic, this appliance is required to stabilise your teeth.
While most adults would benefit from the use of braces, the thought of wearing train-tracks on their teeth for a year or two seems a terrible idea to them. The use of different materials makes it possible to create teeth braces that are quite unnoticeable unless you inspect closely. It is also possible to get clear aligners that are invisible, removable, and therefore, much more appealing for adults. However, these are a little more expensive than the regular braces.
If the thought of wearing braces for years scares you, you need to consider getting 6 month braces instead. These are close to invisible, yield positive results, take much less time than regular braces, and are less expensive as well. The techniques in use focus on correcting the appearance of the visible teeth instead of the whole set. This ensures faster and effective results, especially for adults who do not wish to wear braces but need this rectification treatment for their smile.
Author Bio
Daniel Smith is an orthodontic expert. You can seek his advice while choosing dental treatments like dental crowns, fillings, and implants. If you were looking for a practitioner specialising in dental implants in Limerick, he suggests you to visit http://www.oldquarterdental.ie/for additional details.