The Gold Standard in Orthodontics
Ever catch yourself hiding your smile in photos because your teeth refuse to stand in line? You're not alone! Misaligned teeth are a common concern and can sometimes cause issues beyond making you feel self-conscious. Braces remain the gold standard for treating orthodontic issues in kids or adults with severe malocclusions.
Issues Braces Can Tackle
Braces aren't just for teenagers! People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. Here are some of the common culprits braces can set right:
- Crooked Teeth: This is the big one! Braces gently but persistently nudge your teeth into their rightful positions to create a beautifully aligned smile.
- Gaps and Spacing: Uneven spaces between teeth can be a thing of the past with braces.
- Overbites and Underbites: These jaw alignment issues can not only affect your smile but also your speech and chewing.
- Crowded Teeth: Feeling a little too much tooth action going on? Braces can create space for all your pearly whites to reside comfortably.
How They Work
Braces are made up of a few components that work together to create a straighter smile. Here's the scoop:
- Brackets: These small metal components are bonded to the front of each tooth.
- Archwire: This connects the brackets and applies gentle, constant pressure to move your teeth.
- Ligatures: These are the tiny rubber bands (or elastics) that hold the archwire in place.
With regular adjustments by your dental dream team (aka Dr. Nish or Dr. Mahek!), your teeth will gradually shift into their ideal positions.
Why Choose Braces?
A straighter smile isn't just about looks! Braces offer a range of benefits for your overall oral health, including:
- Properly aligned teeth make it easier to chew your food, which can even improve digestion.
- Misaligned teeth can sometimes cause speech impediments. Correcting the misalignment can often lead to clearer, more confident speech.
- Crooked teeth can be harder to clean and put you at an increased risk of gum disease. Braces can help you dodge periodontal issues by making it easier to clean your teeth.
- A stunning smile can help you feel more confident in social settings and all aspects of your life.
FAQ
How long will I need to wear braces?
Do braces hurt?
You may experience some mild discomfort when your braces are first adjusted, but this is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Will braces affect my lifestyle?
While you may need to make some adjustments to your diet (say goodbye to popcorn and caramels for a while!), braces are generally very manageable. We'll provide you with all the do’s and don’ts to keep your braces in good knick while balancing your ability to carry on with life as normal.
