What Are Braces?
Braces are a device used to straighten teeth and improve one’s smile. They are typically worn for about two years, although the amount of time needed for treatment can vary. Braces consist of metal brackets that are bonded to the front of each tooth and connected by wires, elastics, and bands.
Braces work by gradually applying pressure against the teeth, shifting them into their desired position over time. The force from braces is applied through ligatures or elastics that hold archwires in place. Metal brackets secure archwires to each tooth, which act as a track to guide the movement of teeth into proper alignment. To maintain pressure on the teeth throughout treatment and keep the archwire in place during adjustments, elastic or metal ties may be used depending on which type of braces you have. Your orthodontist will make sure your braces fit properly so they won’t be too tight or too loose while moving your teeth into alignment over time. From traditional metal braces to the latest in clear and lingual braces, click here to know more about braces in Sydney.
After an initial fitting appointment at an orthodontic office, follow-up appointments will be necessary every month or two throughout treatment so that progress can be monitored and adjustments made as needed. During these appointments, your orthodontist may tighten wires or add new ones.
Types of Braces
Braces are a common orthodontic treatment used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. Over the years, braces have evolved from uncomfortable metal bands and wires to more discreet, comfortable options. If you are considering braces for yourself or your child, it is important to understand the different types of braces available today.
Traditional Metal Braces: Traditional metal braces are by far the most common type of braces used in orthodontic treatment. These consist of small metal brackets that are affixed to each tooth with an adhesive and connected by thin wires that apply pressure to move the teeth into their proper position over time. The length of treatment with traditional metal braces can range from 12-36 months depending on the severity and cooperation of the patient.
Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces use materials that blend in more with natural tooth colour making them less noticeable than traditional metal brackets. They work exactly like traditional metal braces but require slightly longer treatment times due to their lighter weight and lower strength than traditional metals when applying pressure on teeth movement. Ceramic brackets also tend to be less irritating for some patients since they cause less friction on soft tissue in the mouth during the movement of teeth compared with metals.
Benefits of Wearing Braces
Braces are an essential part of orthodontic treatment and can improve your smile, your overall oral health, and even your self-esteem. Invisalign is a common alternative to traditional braces, but there are still many benefits to wearing braces. Here are five reasons why you should consider getting braces.
- Improved Oral Health: By straightening the teeth, braces can help alleviate dental problems such as overcrowding and misalignment that can lead to gum disease or cavities if left untreated. Braces also make it easier for you to brush and floss properly by giving the teeth more space for better cleaning access.
- Increased Self-Confidence: Wearing braces often improves self-esteem as crooked or misaligned teeth can be a source of embarrassment for some people. Seeing the gradual improvement in the alignment of their teeth gives people confidence that they look good and feel better about themselves overall.
- Better Speech: Misaligned teeth can make it difficult to articulate words properly which may cause speech impediments like lisping or mumbling when speaking in public or with others in general conversation; however wearing braces helps correct this issue over time while improving pronunciation abilities with each visit to an orthodontist
Care for Your Teeth While Wearing Braces
If you’ve just been fitted for braces, congratulations! You’re on your way to achieving a straighter, healthier smile. But having braces doesn’t mean you can slack off on caring for your teeth. It might even require more effort and attention. Here are some tips to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy while wearing braces:
- Brush Regularly: Brushing twice a day is essential with or without braces. It helps remove food particles and bacteria that can get trapped between the brackets and wires of your orthodontic appliance. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, angling the bristles toward the gumline at a 45-degree angle as you move in short strokes across each tooth surface. Spend extra time brushing around the brackets where food debris is more likely to be caught up in the metal wires of your braces.
- Floss Daily: Flossing is especially important when wearing braces because it gets rid of plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas between brackets and wires that brushing alone won’t tackle effectively enough on its own – this helps prevent cavities from forming during treatment as well as decrease inflammation.
Orthodontic Treatments Along with Braces
Orthodontic treatments are a specialized form of dentistry that focuses on correcting and aligning the teeth and jaws into proper positions. Orthodontics can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, from crooked teeth to malformed jaws, and can help improve the overall look and function of a person’s smile. One of the most common orthodontic treatments is braces, which are used to correct misalignment and bite problems by realigning the jawbones or moving individual teeth into the proper position.
Braces work by placing pressure on specific areas of the mouth to move them into desired locations. This pressure is created through brackets that attach to each tooth that needs adjustment, as well as an archwire that connects each bracket to apply even pressure throughout the mouth. Elastic bands or springs may also be added to further increase this tension if necessary. Braces use gradual force over time to slowly move these areas into their desired positions without causing any pain or discomfort for patients.
Braces can come with many benefits beyond just improving aesthetics; they can also help prevent more serious oral health issues such as TMJ disorders or sleep apnea from developing due to misalignment in the jaw area.
Costs Associated with Getting and Maintaining Braces
If you’re considering getting braces, you may be wondering how much they cost. Braces are a significant investment in your dental health and can have long-lasting benefits, but it’s important to understand all the costs associated with them before making your decision.
The first step in getting braces is to schedule an initial consultation with an orthodontist. The consultation fee will vary depending on the clinic but typically ranges from $50-$300. During this appointment, the orthodontist will assess your teeth and decide which type of braces are best for you; this will also help them determine the total cost of treatment.
The cost of braces depends on several factors including the type of braces chosen (traditional metal or clear ceramic), the complexity of the treatment plan (simple or complex cases), and the time required for treatment (shorter or longer periods). Traditional metal braces typically cost between $3,000-6,000 while clear ceramic ones usually range from $5,000-8,000. It’s important to note that these prices don’t include extra costs associated with other treatments such as Invisalign aligners or retainers that are sometimes necessary after the removal of traditional metal braces.
