Traditional Braces at St. Leonards Green Dental
Do you wish you had a beautifully straight smile to show off whenever you wanted? If misaligned, crowded or crooked teeth are a problem, then traditional braces could be the answer to your worries.
How Do Braces Work?
Conventional orthodontics use small metal brackets attached at specific points on each tooth, connected by a curved arch wire. The pressure from the wire brings each of the teeth into alignment, rotating and guiding them so that they set properly side by side. A small rubber band or ligature is placed on each bracket to hold the wire in place. Younger patients enjoy being able to choose the colour of their bands for added flair!
Bite Problems Treated With Braces
- Overbites, Overjets, Underbites and Underjets — Having teeth that splay out or a jaw that’s too pronounced can lead to a host of complications ranging from premature tooth wear and accidental trauma to TMJ disorder. It’s essential to create a harmonious bite that will function properly.
- Crossbites — A crossbite is when the upper and lower jaws don’t close together in the proper occlusion (biting position), with certain teeth overlapping others. Like overbites and underbites, it can cause irregular wear patterns and joint pain.
- Gaps and Crowding — Probably the most common reason why people decide to get braces is because of crowded teeth or gaps between them. Traditional orthodontic therapy is one of the most efficient types of braces to correct such concerns.
- Impacted Teeth and Spacing Issues — Younger patients who lose teeth prematurely can experience problems in normal oral development. Getting braces helps ensure that adult teeth have room to come in properly and limits the need for more complex orthodontic treatment in the future.
Oral Health Advantages
Improving the way your smile looks is just an added benefit of getting braces. The most important feature though is creating a healthy and harmonious environment inside of your mouth.
Teeth that are properly aligned can work more efficiently and are less likely to get cavities and gum disease, compared to ones that are misaligned.
Investing in braces is a smart move towards having a healthier smile overall. At St. Leonards Green Dental, we’re here to ensure that your orthodontic experience is a positive one.
Cleaning Around Your Braces
Your oral hygiene routine will take a bit of extra practice when you first get braces. If possible, invest in an electric toothbrush to help clean around each bracket (especially along the gumlines). Continue brushing for at least two minutes, twice per day. If you experience bleeding or other signs of gingivitis, make sure that you’re cleaning the areas between your brackets and gums.
Floss threaders or a water flosser will make it easier to clean between teeth, under the arch wire. Preventing plaque buildup between your teeth and around your brackets will lower your risk of tooth decay and unsightly “white circles” that are visible when braces come off.
ARE BRACES RIGHT FOR YOU?
We offer comprehensive family braces for patients of all ages. Whether you’re 7 or 77, contact us to schedule a consultation to find out if they’re right for you!
* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.