What are Braces?
Braces are appliances used in orthodontic treatment to align your teeth & position them.
​
Dental braces spread the biting pressure across your teeth and make eating more comfortable. They help to improve the working of your teeth. ​
​
Dental Braces are used to fix gaps (too much or not enough space between teeth), they also solve the problem of over crowded or crooked teeth and improve the appearance of your smile.
 |
|---|
 |
Types of Braces
1. Metal / Traditional Braces
Metal braces are conventional braces as they are least expensive. These braces are quite noticeable as attached in front of the teeth. Person may feel discomfort wearing them. These braces can align teeth faster.
2. Ceramic Braces
As brackets are made out of ceramic, they have natural teeth color and texture making them less noticeable. They are as effective as metal braces but more expensive. These dental braces may get stained if not taken care of.
3. Lingual Braces
These type of braces are attached to the back of the teeth instead of front which makes them less visible. Lingual braces are in contact with soft tissues creating discomfort in mouth. They are more expensive than ceramic teeth.
4. Invisalign Braces
Invisalign are transparent braces used to align your teeth into position. They are comfortable and removable. Invisalign braces are not used for severe dental problem but are more preferred for general alignment issues.
Uses of Braces
Dental braces are wire-based devices used to straighten your teeth. They are used to correct misaligned jaw & even to correct crowding of teeth.
​
Dental braces are mostly used in early teen age but adults can have braces for many other purposes like long term health of their gums and teeth.
​
Adults also use them to make eating comfortable or to adjust their smile.
Precautions with Braces on
Do's with Braces on
-
Brushing: Brushing your teeth after every meal to keep braces and teeth clean. Trapped food particles can feed bacteria which may cause oral health problem.
-
Flossing: Flossing is important with braces on. Gently floss between your tooth and wire of braces to remove any remaining food particles.
-
Protection: You need to protect your braces during sports. Use a mouth guard to protect your braces and mouth.
-
Check-Ups: Keep visiting your orthodontist as soon as you notice any problem regarding braces like, broken wires or lose bands.
Don'ts with Braces on
-
Hard Food: Avoid eating hard food like nuts or candies which can damage wires of braces.
-
Eating Habits: Don't eat sticky food or chewing gums. Avoid eating crunchy food like pop-corn.
-
Avoid: Avoid habits of chewing on pencils and biting nails. Such objects can damage your braces.
-
Adjustments: Don't adjust your braces yourself if you feel any kind of discomfort. You need to see your dentist to get them fixed.
-
Check-Ups: Don't skip regular appointments with your orthodontist.
What is Adult Dentition?
Adult Dentition is composed of 32 permanent teeth, 16 teeth each in upper and lower arches. Adult Dentition replaces the primary dentition at the age of 6 years and completes by nearly 13 years of age.
​
In adult dentition each quadrant has 8 teeth including 2 incisors, 2 premolars, 3 molars & a canine.
​
This dentition is refereed to as numbers from 1 which is central incisor to 8 i.e. 3rd molar also called wisdom teeth.
