Teeth positioning gets disturbed due to several reasons, which if ignored can be bad for your oral health. You will find it hard to speak and pronounce or hard to chew.
In severe cases, it can trigger jaw pain, chronic headaches and TMJ. So, you must not ignore teeth misalignment but seek dental care ASAP.
In general, braces are used to correct such misaligned teeth. These are tools including brackets, wires, and bands. The orthodontist for braces at Estes Orthodontics Clinic in Albany has been serving the region for several years with a high rate of success.
Types of brace
- Traditional braces – Metal brackets are bonded in front of each tooth with a thin metal wire threaded through the brackets and are tightened regularly to move teeth slowly into the desired position.
- Ceramic braces – Ceramic braces function is similar to metal braces but the brackets are clear and blend with your teeth.
- Lingual braces – Lingual braces are bonded to your teeth’s backside, so they are nearly invisible from the front. No one will notice it but fine-tuning and maintaining is tough.
- Self-litigating braces – There is a built-in mechanism in this kind of braces that holds the archwire in place, thus eliminating the need for ligatures. This decreases the friction between wire and brackets. It can reduce the treatment time and adjustment needed.
- Clear aligners [Invisalign] – It is the latest type of orthodontic treatment. Clear and removable plastic aligners are great for those who wish discreet treatment options. However, they are not suitable for severe misalignment treatments.
Advantages of orthodontic treatment
- Improved oral health – Straight teeth are easy to clean. Proper bite alignment enhances chewing efficiency and reduces the stress on your low jaw joints.
- Enhanced aesthetics – A straight, aligned smile boosts your self-esteem and confidence. It even influences your overall well-being because now you can properly take care of your teeth and avoid associated health issues.
- Better speech – Misaligned teeth can impact speech patterns. Braces can help to enhance speech clarity and pronunciation.
- Preventative benefits – Early orthodontic intervention can prevent future dental issues. Straight teeth are less prone to wear, tooth fractures and oral complications associated with misaligned teeth. It potentially saves money on more complex procedures down the line.
Disadvantages of braces
- Discomfort – Braces cause discomfort and soreness, especially during adjustments. Mouth ulcers or irritation from brackets and wires are common.
- Aesthetics – For severe misalignment, teenagers will need to wear traditional braces, which is unappealing even though there are more discreet options available.
- Dietary restrictions – Your diet may undergo temporary modification because sticky or hard foods can damage the braces.
- Oral hygiene challenge – Braces trap food particles around the wires and brackets, which needs more effort in brushing and flossing to avoid cavities and gum disease.
- Treatment time – Orthodontic treatment timing ranges from a few months to a couple of years, depending on the severity of the case.
Conclusion
Braces have been offering many people regain their beautiful and functional smile. There are different braces types catering to various needs and desires. The drawbacks and challenges are temporary, but the lifetime benefits make it worth it.
