The Importance of Braces

Your dentist won’t recommend braces unless he believes that a brace is the best possible way to go. Your dentist will be focusing on the fact that crooked teeth may affect the way you chew and the way you talk and, because crooked teeth are harder to clean, he will be concerned over the increased risk of more cavities. In certain cases crooked teeth can even result in ongoing jaw pain.

Loads of kids don’t have perfect teeth and many require braces to straighten crooked teeth, usually between the age of 9 -14. Historically wearing braces meant a couple of years having a mouth full of ugly metal and there was absolutely no way of hiding the fact that you were wearing braces but it no longer has to be that way.

Nowadays braces tend to be far less noticeable. Metal braces are still used but you can now get braces that are the same color as your teeth, funky color braces, braces that fit behind your teeth, braces that are totally clear and non wire invisible braces . 

The metal wire that is used for braces has moved on over the years with wire braces now being far thinner and of a better design that will help reduce the time that it takes to straighten your teeth.

A brace works by applying constant pressure on your teeth which slowly moves them in the direction that your dentist wants them to go and helps to improve the alignment of your teeth.

The length of time that you will need to wear a brace will vary from person to person with some people only requiring braces for a short period of time. Generally it will take around 2 years to straighten crooked teeth. 

While you are wearing braces you will need to make an extra effort with your dental care as food can become stuck in the wires which, if left, can cause tooth decay. Make sure you brush your teeth well and if you haven’t been given one ask your dentist for a special flosser so you can floss in and around your braces.

It is best to try and avoid sugary foods when wearing braces as sugar can cause tooth decay at the best of times. Also sticky foods such as toffee and gum will need to be avoided as they will become stuck to your braces and will be difficult to remove. If you do consume sugary foods or drinks make sure you brush your teeth well.

Wearing braces might prove slightly uncomfortable and seem inconvenient and hard work at the time but the long term benefits of wearing braces are immense. When the going gets tough just look to the future and the thought of that wonderful new smile.

Author: Terry Ross