Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of improper bites (tooth irregularity and/or unequal jaw connection). Orthodontists can also specialize in the control or modification of facial growth. Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist if he feels you will need treatment to improve your orofacial appearance.

Any orthodontic problem can be classified as misaligned or crooked teeth, missing teeth, extra teeth, overbite, under bite, misaligned jaw position, and a disorder in the jaw joint.

No matter how old or young you are, correcting the alignment of teeth seems inevitable. It’s always better to correct the alignment at a young age as an adult’s jaw is already positioned and settled. The ideal age for a young person to have alignment is between the ages ten and fourteen. The treatment for this is, of course, braces.

There are many types of braces available to you such as the standard metal or plastic brackets that are bonded to teeth, back-of-the teeth braces that are hidden from viewing, Invisalign, ceramic colored braces, and self-ligating braces.

Standard metal or plastic brackets are very strong and can withstand any most any kind of treatment. When the braces are first put on, the brackets may irritate your gums but will go away as time goes on.
Anyone wanting back-of-the-teeth braces is made of metal and virtually invisible to other people. Since the braces go on the back of the teeth, orthodontists need special training. If you find your orthodontist is not trained, feel free to ask your dentist or Google to see if there is an orthodontist around the area who will do this type of braces for you.

Invisalign braces are for people who have very little dental alignment problems. Invisalign is not actually braces but more of a hard plastic mold that are designed specifically for you. If your overbite is not too severe and your teeth are not severely crooked, then Invisalign would be a good choice for you. However if you do have an overbite or require the use of headgear along with braces, then Invisalign would not be a good choice for you. As with back-of-the-teeth braces, Invisalign requires special training from your orthodontist.

Ceramic braces are very strong and blend in with the color of your teeth. The ligatures that hold the wire onto the ceramic brackets are usually clear or white. While the brackets look good for a while, they can begin to stain- especially if you smoke or drink a lot of coffee. Fortunately every time you go in for an adjustment, your brackets are changed.

Self-ligating braces are still made of metal but do not require the use of rubber bands to hold the wire onto the bracket. Self-ligating braces are also known as “speed braces.”

To get the perfect smile that you desire and want, one of the most important things to remember is to have good hygiene. Brush your teeth carefully after every meal (braces or not) with a soft-bristled brush and a good fluoride toothpaste. Floss your teeth and between your braces. Stay away from sticky food such as candy-apples and toffee and stay away from the corn-on-the-cob. Keep your regular cleaning and adjustment appointments with your orthodontist.

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Tags: Braces, Braces procedure, Ceramic braces, Dental Braces, Invisalign braces, Self-ligating braces, teeth Braces