Braces
– An Introduction
Everyone wishes for a set of perfect teeth.
Unfortunately, many people do not have a
set of perfect teeth. Sometimes teeth just
don't grow in evenly. Some people's teeth
are crowded together while some may have
too much space between their teeth. The
two main causes of crooked teeth are heredity
and environmental factors. Similarly crooked
teeth can also be caused due to habits such
as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking.
A person with irregular teeth may require
braces to make their teeth straighter. Dental
braces or orthodontic braces are a device
used to correct the alignment of your teeth.
Today, with more and more children requiring
braces, much of the stigma associated with
braces has disappeared. Your dentist is
the best person to determine if you need
braces. He would then recommend you to an
orthodontist.
How Do Braces Work?
Braces are small metal brackets that are
placed on all your teeth and strung together
with a piece of wire. This metal wire applies
a slow and steady pressure which helps straighten
the teeth.
You may need to visit the doctor’s
office every few weeks for a slight adjustment
in the wire. This small adjustment allows
the braces to move the teeth slowly.
What Happens If You
Don't Get Braces?
Crooked teeth do not take care of themselves.
They will remain that way; unless you take
some steps do remedy this. Crooked or overlapping
teeth are difficult to clean, and may lead
to bacteria growth and gum disease. Similarly,
if teeth are not aligned correctly, it may
lead to wear and tear of the enamel, which
leads to more damage.
What to Avoid When
You Have Braces?
When you have braces, you may not be able
to indulge in your favorite food. Dentists
generally believe that it is best to avoid
the following kinds of foods, as they may
damage the braces:
- Sticky foods such as caramels, and
chewing gum
- Chewy foods such as licorice
- Crunchy foods such as popcorn and chips
- Hard foods such as nuts, corn on the
cob, apples
- And of course it is best to avoid biting
on fingernails, pens, and pencils (even
if you don’t have braces!)
Find Your Way to
a New Smile
Braces can no doubt be inconvenient, but
there are many kids who have them. They
are worth all the trouble, and when your
braces are removed, you will see your new
and improved smile!
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