Dental Brace Guide

Kids and teens who wear braces do so to correct problems with alignment that can cause anything from simple chewing issues to more serious conditions. There is however a very prevalent problem, kids who have finished braces treatment fail to wear their retainers leaving them with more problems than when they started.

This alarming news causes a huge amount of failure for braces treatment due to the teeth returning to their previous positions when treatment started. Whatever reason teens and kids may have for not wearing their retainers, dentists are getting tough on them for this may mean success or failure of the very expensive treatment they’ve just gone through.

Triclosan, long been known as an effective anti-bacterial agent found in soaps and other health products has been found to also be extremely effective against bacteria in the mouth. This proves to be good news for oral hygiene for dentists have long been trying to find ways of minimizing the effects of our resident bacteria in the mouth from causing tooth decay.

Many materials are being studied for their anti-bacterial properties and Triclosan copolymer, mixed with mouthwash or toothpaste can help reduce the amount of bacteria that is blamed for gum disease and tooth decay that causes a plethora of other problems not limited to the mouth. This is in the continuing quest to find materials to help battle tooth decay a battle raging since documented history has noted.

Some patients would like to have straight teeth but without showing the braces. A certain type of braces, the lingual braces, is placed behind the teeth and works just as well. Just like the regular braces it could be used for both the upper and lower teeth. The lingual braces have to be custom made to fit your teeth and they are more costly than regular braces. Wearing braces requires an adjustment period which usually lasts from 1 to 4 weeks. The part of the mouth affected by lingual braces is the tongue which in turn affects your speech when you first wear them. Regular braces, on the other hand affect the lips and the cheeks.

• An Instant Orthodontics procedure is complete in as little as two office visits

• You can have a straight new smile in a couple of weeks rather than a couple of years

• Instant Orthodontics does not involve painful and cumbersome appliances

• Your instant orthodontic procedure not only straightens your teeth, but also corrects a host of other cosmetic issues, including cracking, chipping, staining, and unevenly sized and shaped teeth

• The porcelain veneers used in Instant Orthodontics procedures replicate the color, texture, and luminescence of natural tooth enamel for a clean, natural look

• Harder and more durable than enamel when bonded into place, your porcelain veneers can actually reinforce your teeth

One time while I was in class, a good friend of mine asked me “Am I going to wear retainers after braces?”

The answer is YES.

Why you ask? Our periodontal ligaments and bone might take months or years to recall or get used to the new position of the teeth and stay in place. The retainer is a big help in forming the new positions. You should follow the instructions of your orthodontist regarding on how frequent you should use your retainers because if you won’t do that, your teeth may go back to its old self. Isn’t sad if you spent three years with your braces on but ended up looking the same because you don’ want to wear the retainers?

Essix Retainer or more popularly known as clear plastic retainer, is being used one or two days after the braces are removed by the orthodontist. Essix retainer is somewhat similar with the Invisalign appliance. I’ve been hearing a lot of complains regarding this type of retainer. It was said that this retainer is the most uncomfortable retainer ever that’s why some patients would rather stop in using it. Orthodontists are advising their patients to patiently wear them at night for two straight years, depending on the case. After that, the orthodontist will now replace is with the traditional type of wire retainer.

Invisalign, the leading alternative to braces, has many advantages: needs fewer appointments with your orthodontist; removal of the aligner while eating; and can take chewy, sticky foods. After you’ve eaten, the teeth are cleaned by brushing, flossing and rinsing with water and the re-aligner is then placed in. for cosmetic appearance, the aligner is invisible therefore it is not evident that the person is having his teeth aligned. It is usually worn 22 – 24 hours a day and is only removed when eating. The treatment using this appliance takes around 12 months. The time and cost differ in relation to the degree of abnormality and the patient’s willingness to use it.

Don’t be afraid to ask your orthodontist if you have some questions in mind. To be honest, they do really appreciate if their clients are asking them.

Here are some questions that orthodontist usually anticipates you ask:

What is the cause of your current dental condition?
What is the best possible treatment for the dental problem?
What are the healing methods that you have to go through after the treatment?
What can you do to control the condition in the future and the problem never to occur again?

Finding the answers to the questions above from an orthodontist can make you enlightened.

Brush, using a special toothbrush, in between wires and gums to release any food particles that may have stuck in your dental braces.
Position bristles at 45 degree angle toward the gum and begin with the outside surface of your upper teeth. Brush in a circular motion two to three teeth at a time. Follow the same procedure for the inner surfaces.
Repeat the process for the lower. Rinse and check to see if all particles have been removed.
Floss in between braces daily.
You can use toothpicks and other similar devices for cleaning under brackets.
See your dentist at regular intervals for thorough cleaning of your dental appliance.

We have several ways that orthodontics can be used to help improve the way that a patient’s teeth align. When our parents were teenagers, it used to be that metal, obvious and often painful braces were the only solution to this type of problem.

Today, the products are much more easier to use. The braces are less difficult to care for and they are better looking. Some brace products such as Invisalign, are able to go unnoticed, too. Another thing, many people of all ages can get this type of help from kids to teens to adult. This means that you can take care of the overbite that you have.. It’s never too late!