It’s Never too Late to Straighten Your Teeth
Nearly 4 million American’s wear braces today. That number includes adolescents and adults. Braces are for more than just young people. In fact, they are quite reasonable for adults that want to improve their dental health. It is never too late when it comes to correcting your smile. Many advances in metal braces have made them more aesthetically pleasing and obtainable. So, there is no reason to be self-conscious about your smile while getting dental treatments to straighten your teeth.
How Do Traditional Metal Braces Work?
Most people know what traditional metal braces look like. However, they do not look like the braces that people wore even ten years ago. When you make an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning, ask about advances in metal braces. A few details include smaller brackets versus the clunky larger brackets of years gone by. The way brackets adhere to teeth is different now too. The brackets still need to adhere to your teeth, but smaller brackets are less invasive.
Braces Straighten Your Teeth, But What Are They Other Benefits?
There are many health benefits when it comes to having braces put on your teeth. It’s more about your personal health than just achieving a beautiful smile. Straight teeth tend to have less plaque that would otherwise gather in crevices. Less plaque means your chances of getting gum disease are also diminished. Gum disease itself is linked to diabetes and heart disease. You will also be able to brush your teeth better so they stay healthy and don’t shift over time.
Metal Braces Are Cost-Effective
General dentists can assist you in getting braces, no matter which type you choose. However, braces made of metal are more cost-effective. Other benefits include being able to see your teeth-straightening progress better. Small brackets are adhered to your teeth and then set using an ultraviolet light. Then the wire is attached to the brackets and adjusted regularly until your teeth have been straightened where they should be. The movement created by the tightened wire is what helps put your teeth in proper placement.
Who Exactly Needs Teeth Straightening?
Are your teeth over-crowded or crooked? Sometimes teeth grow in and are extremely over-crowded. Traditional braces are the best option in this case. By moving teeth in small increments, they are shifted in place carefully. Do you think a mouth full of metal is unattractive? Today’s braces also come with many options including better color choices that are way more appealing. Ask your dentist about your options when it comes to colors for elastics and brackets.
Things to Keep in Mind When It Comes to Caring for Braces
When you decide that braces are in your future, you need to make sure that you are taking very good care of them and your teeth. You do not want to eat foods that are not braces-friendly. This includes foods that are chewy like soft candy and caramels. Crunchy, hard foods can also cause significant damages to braces. The last thing you want is food stuck in your braces. That’s just not attractive at all. Avoid certain vegetables and fruits known for becoming stuck in the wires or try eating them cut into tiny pieces instead. You will more than likely be given a list of safe foods so your braces can be kept in great condition.
Brushing and Flossing Truly Matter
When you have metal braces, brushing and flossing your teeth is vital. You want your braces to look clean and healthy so you do not suffer from any stains on your teeth. It is possible that you may even need to use a special toothbrush that aids in this endeavor. There are toothbrushes designed to get into tight crevices and work well with braces made of metal. You may need to practice brushing and flossing around braces to get it just right but over time this becomes much easier. Just be sure to keep follow-up appointments so accurate adjustments can be made to fine-tune your smile.
