Thanks to braces and aligners, getting a beautiful smile, and more importantly, a properly aligned set of teeth, can now be achieved easily.
Besides the aesthetic benefits of braces, orthodontic treatments are used to correct “bad bites,” or, in clinical terms, malocclusion (teeth that are overcrowded or crooked).
Contrary to popular belief, braces are not just meant for crooked or unaligned teeth. Cases where the upper and lower jaws do not meet properly also require orthodontic intervention. Jaw or tooth alignment problems may be inherited or could stem from injury, early or late tooth loss or thumb-sucking in one’s formative years.
Braces treatment may be recommended by orthodontists or dentists as an optimal solution for incorrect bites. As well as creating a nice-looking smile, orthodontic treatments result in a healthier mouth. Not correcting an abnormal bite could result in a variety of oral health problems, including:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Affected speech and/or chewing
- Abnormal wear to tooth enamel
- Jaw problems
Read More:
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- Do Braces Make the Roots of Your Teeth Shorter?
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Straightening your teeth or correcting unaligned teeth and jaws can be accomplished in many different ways. The type of orthodontic treatment you end up having will depend on your preference and the options provided by your orthodontist. You can choose from a wide variety of braces and aligners that suit your style and purpose, including:
Invisalign or clear aligners
Invisalign or Clear Aligners are virtually invisible and removable teeth aligners, this option is a comfortable alternative to conventional braces as these aligners can be removed when eating or when brushing your teeth, ensuring optimum oral health when wearing.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces, also known as Incognito braces, are hidden behind your teeth, so no one will notice them.
Damon Braces
Sleek, discreet, comfortable, and easy to clean, Self-ligating or Damon braces minimise the need for in-office tightening.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces match the natural colour of your teeth and are a great alternative to traditional train tracks.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are one of the most common and cost-effective treatment options, mostly opted for by children and teens.
Myobrace
Myobrace is a no-braces orthodontic approach that corrects a child’s teeth alignment while treating jaw developmental problems.
Caring for your teeth after the application of braces is of paramount importance. The type of food plays a vital role in the proper maintenance of your appliances. Eating a balanced diet will ensure your teeth remain healthy and strong, whilst on the other hand, eating unhealthy foods can set you up for a great deal of troubling dental issues.
Here are some food types that you should stay away from when wearing braces:
Sugary foods
Consuming too many sugary foods with braces can lead to decay mainly and plaque build-up around your brackets that could permanently stain or damage your teeth, especially as cleaning the teeth can be hindered when you are wearing braces.
Sticky foods
Chewy and sticky foods such as popcorn, corn on the cob, chewing gum, whole apples, and other sticky foods should be avoided as they can damage your brackets.
Hard foods
Hard candy like lollipops and candy canes, nuts, pretzels, and other hard rolls, crunchy chips, hard fruits and vegetables, pizza crust etc., can loosen brackets and wires which may cause a delay in treatment.
Avoiding certain foods during your orthodontic treatment is a small price you need to pay for a beautiful smile at the end of your procedure. We can still indulge in our favourite foods once in a while even when wearing braces, however, it is important to remember that before you can start enjoying your favourite treats, you will need to take proper care of your braces to ensure they stay in top shape throughout the treatment.
At Clinic Effect , our Specialist Orthodontists offer a variety of effective orthodontic treatments to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. You can choose from our selection of braces and aligners. Call us today, to book your appointment.