Braces used to be the great fear of a teenager's life, but today people of all ages elect to have braces in order to improve the position of their teeth. If you are considering braces, it may help to learn the facts about how they work and the options available to you.
Reasons for Getting Braces
Some people need braces because their teeth are crooked; in other cases, dental patients may seek braces to correct an overbite (where the top jaw projects out farther than the bottom) or an underbite (the bottom jaw projects out farther than the top). Braces can correct all of these problems; an orthodontist can help you choose a plan for braces that will work for your specific situation.
How They Work
Braces straighten teeth by applying a specific level of pressure for a longer period of time. In traditional metal braces, the wires push the teeth into the proper position---and the attached rubber bands assist with alignment issues. In other types of braces, these same functions are performed by the specific shaping of the braces. As teeth line up properly, the orthodontist will adjust the braces for further alignment.
Duration
Most people wear braces for about two years, according to the Nemours Foundation web site. After braces, many patients will use a retainer for another length of time, anywhere from a few months to a few years. A retainer may be made out of plastic or metal, and it is used to ensure that your teeth do not stray back into their previously crooked positions once the braces are removed.
Living with Braces
Braces cover a portion of your teeth, so you have to brush your teeth even more carefully when you have them in place. Small portions of food can get stuck in your braces and cause tooth decay, so you should avoid foods that are more likely to do this (such as popcorn, sugary candies and sodas) as much as possible. When you eat a meal, brush your teeth very carefully afterward to clean your teeth and braces of any food debris.
Your braces may cause some pain, particularly right after an adjustment. You may have to eat softer foods for a day or two until you adjust to the new-braces positioning. If your braces break, such as a wire that pops out, see your orthodontist to have it repaired.
Invisible Braces
Invisible braces, such as the ones made by Invisalign, resemble retainers more than traditional braces. They are a plastic form that shapes directly over your teeth and pushes them into position. For adjustments, you simply switch to the next form after a few weeks, under the guidance of your dentist or orthodontist. Many people prefer this type of braces because they are nearly invisible and less painful than metal braces. However, these braces cannot correct all problems, and they can often cost significantly more than traditional braces.
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