Dental Braces
Few of us are lucky enough to be born with perfectly straight teeth. Often, when those baby teeth fall out, what replace them are crooked, crowded or unevenly spaced adult teeth. Fortunately, we don’t always have to live with the smile we’re born with. Braces can bring your teeth back in line and provide you with a flawless smile that’ll have you saying, “Cheese!”
What are braces?
Braces consist of three parts: brackets, wire and elastics. A plastic or metal bracket is cemented to each individual tooth. Arch wire is then run from bracket to bracket, and a tiny elastic band is placed around the bracket over top of the wire to hold it in place. This allows the dentist to manipulate the teeth slowly by making a series of adjustments to the wire over a span of months or even years.
In recent years, a number of invisible braces have become available. One such system, Invisalign, consists of a series of custom-fit “aligners” designed to gradually straighten teeth. The aligners are clear plastic sheaths, similar to mouth guards, that fit over an entire upper or lower row of teeth. Invisalign braces can be worn unobtrusively throughout the day but can be removed for eating and social occasions.
Who should get braces?
Braces are commonly thought of as a teenage rite of passage, but the truth is, they can be for anyone who has crooked, crowded or widely spaced teeth, or for those who suffer from an underbite or overbite.
Braces are not for young children who have yet to get their adult teeth.
Your dentist can help you decide whether braces are appropriate for you.
What do braces entail?
Braces are a long-term commitment. The exact length of time depends on numerous factors - how much correction is needed, how quickly your teeth respond to treatment - and even your dental professional can only give you an approximate time frame.
Your dentist may oversee the treatment, or he or she may refer you to an orthodontist. Either way, the process is essentially the same.
At your first appointment (not counting the initial consultation), the dentist or orthodontist will actually apply the braces. First, he or she will cement a bracket to each individual tooth. Then, the brackets will be connected with a length of wire, held in place by tiny elastic bands on each bracket.
This is the lengthiest part of the process, matched only by removal of the braces. The rest of the process consists of regularly scheduled adjustments and checkups. The frequency of these appointments will depend on your individual treatment plan.
Braces may be combined with orthodontic headgear, orthodontic rubber bands or other jaw-altering treatments, particularly if you have an overbite or underbite that needs correcting. Orthodontic retainers and appliances are often part of the follow-up treatment once the braces are removed.
What can and can’t I do with braces?
Braces require particular care and attention. There are special brushes and tools to help keep braces and the teeth beneath them clean. Regular brushing becomes particularly important when you have braces.
You can expect braces to limit your ability to enjoy certain foods. Popcorn can be particularly problematic, and chewing gum is generally not recommended. Your dentist or orthodontist can provide you with a detailed list of foods to avoid.
Keep in mind that braces can be uncomfortable. Your mouth may ache a little after each adjustment as your teeth and jaw get accustomed to the new position. You may also find that the brackets and wire cut into the inside of your cheeks and jaws when you chew or talk. Your dentist or orthodontist can provide you with special wax to protect these tissues, and most people find this is only a temporary problem as they eventually learn to accommodate the braces during these activities.
How much do braces cost?
Braces are expensive. The cost will depend on the type of braces, the length of treatment and the practitioner you choose, but you can generally expect to spend a few thousand dollars minimum. Many dental insurance plans have limited, if any, coverage of orthodontics, but you may be able to work out a payment plan with your dentist or orthodontist. Because braces are a long-term treatment, there’s more opportunity to spread the cost out over months or even years.
