Do you suffer from misalignment of your teeth? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from misalignment, but the good news is that there’s a highly effective solution: braces.
Braces have been around for quite some time in the dental industry, and they remain one of the most preferred options when it comes to addressing crooked teeth and bite problems today. This is because traditional metal braces and ceramic braces are already tried and tested to be very effective at straightening teeth.
If you want to know more about getting braces in Springvale, call Springvale Dental Smiles and schedule an appointment today. Our team of expert dentists can help you understand the effectiveness of braces for your misalignment and bite problems. We’ll help you review the best treatment options and choose one that suits your dental needs the most.
What Are Braces?
Braces consist of metal or plastic wires connected to the teeth to correct the misalignment of your teeth and jaw. These help to move teeth and align them together in a straight or curved pattern. The orthodontist can easily manipulate these highly flexible wires using various tools. In some cases, elastics or rubber bands may also be attached to some of the braces to help with the process of correcting your crooked teeth or bite.
Why Do You Need Braces?
There are two main reasons why you might need braces. First, having proper alignment helps you to have healthy teeth and gums in the long run. Second, if misalignment is affecting your speech, braces can correct your bite alignment and improve both your speech and self-confidence.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Braces?
Braces are used to treat a wide array of dental issues, such as:
- Tooth misalignment.
- Crowding.
- Spacing problems.
- Bite gaps.
- Undersized teeth.
Braces can benefit both children (from age 10) and adults. Although braces can usually correct most minor alignment issues, severe bite or jaw problems may require surgery.
How Long Should Braces Be Worn?
Braces can be worn for approximately two to three years or more, depending on the severity of your bite problem. It all depends on how long it will take to correct whatever the orthodontist is trying to fix in your teeth alignment.
What Is the Treatment Process?
The orthodontist will first explain to you the basic concept of what they are trying to achieve by placing braces on your teeth. You may undergo a series of tests, such as dental X-rays, to determine whether your bite problem is severe enough to warrant the use of braces. Afterward, the orthodontist will follow these steps:
Step 1: Get impressions of the teeth. After the orthodontist reviews your dental X-ray, they may get impressions of your teeth using a tray with alginate. The orthodontist then uses this mold as a basis for deciding what treatment plan is best for you.
Step 2: Extract teeth as needed. When the bite problem is severe, extraction of two or more teeth may be necessary so that the misplaced teeth have enough space for proper alignment. You may go back after a week or two, depending on the instructions of the orthodontist.
Step 3: Precondition the teeth and place the braces. The orthodontist will precondition your teeth prior to cementing the brackets. This process involves cleaning the teeth and preparing the surfaces prior to placement of the brackets one by one.
Step 4: Insert the wire and elastic ligatures. When all brackets are in place, the orthodontist will shape and insert the wire in between the brackets. They may cut the wire as needed for your convenience. Then, the orthodontist will place the bands and elastic ligatures in the individual brackets.
How Do You Maintain Your Braces?
Monthly check-ups are advisable for adjustments and changing of bands and ligatures. These check-ups also involve cleaning to avoid plaque build-up. You’ll also have to brush and floss regularly for proper oral hygiene.
To find out more about how you can get braces in Springvale, contact Springvale Dental Smiles at (03) 9546 1127.