Teeth braces are about so much more than aesthetics and perfect smiles, they can correct a host of ailments and irritations in adulthood too. They could actually improve your life quite dramatically, and even take years off your appearance.
By Georgia South
Beyond the cosmetic perks of having lovely straight teeth, there are plenty of lesser-known perks from wearing braces. Crooked teeth and an incorrect bite can affect more than just your smile. Many other ailments could result – from speech problems to difficulty chewing and even breathing, teeth grinding and clenching, jaw pain, tooth and gum disease, and even headaches and earaches. Your teeth also help to create the shape of your face, of course, your smile can instil self-confidence or self-consciousness.
Actually, the reasons adults wear braces are exactly the same as for children: to correct crowded or crooked teeth, for overbites and underbites, and to correct the jaw’s position and so prevent a myriad of ailments and irritations caused by its malalignment.
Beyond cosmetic concerns, crowded and overlapping teeth are difficult to clean, which makes them more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay. Then, teeth that don’t come together properly when you close your mouth can cause chewing problems and even difficulty in pronouncing certain sounds which will affect speech. Facial pain could result as excessive strain is put on chewing muscles because of poorly aligned teeth. And, yes, a beautiful smile is another important benefit from corrective braces.
Adults, since they have stopped growing, may need to wear braces for longer than children to achieve the desired results. Roughly, adults will need to wear braces for between 18 months and three years and may also need to wear a retainer to maintain the results after the braces come off.
HOW BRACES WORK
Braces work by putting pressure on the teeth to gradually get them to change their position. So the orthodontist attaches braces to the teeth to slowly push them into a new position. The wires attached to braces exert gentle force, so different teeth can be moved in different directions at once, at the same time minimising the amount of time braces are needed.
To fit braces, brackets are bonded to the surface of teeth. Then arch wires are attached to the molars and threaded through the brackets to direct the gentle force applied to the teeth. Wires are arranged in specific ways to apply force to specific and individual teeth, with elastic bands or springs sometimes being attached to speed up the process.
It usually takes a few hours to fit the braces, depending on how complicated the teeth correction will be, and there may be soreness and discomfort for a few days following the fitting, much like your mouth feels after visiting the oral hygienist for a vigorous cleaning. Your mouth just needs to get used to the new braces.
MORE TYPES THAN EVER
Every set of braces is custom made for the patient’s needs and there are plenty of discreet options too. Currently, five types of braces are generally used: metal braces are the ones most commonly seen and are fitted to the outside of the teeth; ceramic braces have tooth-coloured attachments between the wire and tooth, so they are less noticeable; self-ligating braces are similar to metal or ceramic braces but use clips to attach them to the wire; lingual braces are fitted to the inside or back side of teeth; and clear aligners fit over the teeth completely and are clear and transparent sheaths. Overall, today’s braces are smaller, less noticeable, and even more effective than in the past.
SMALL ADJUSTMENTS
It may take a few days to adjust to eating and speaking with braces in your mouth and there may be a little discomfort to start with – that is quite normal. Most important while wearing braces is to keep your teeth and gums scrupulously clean, as food is particularly easily trapped in braces. Also, cut back on sugar and carbohydrates as when plaque meets sugar it turns to acid and can make white spots on your teeth – and of course cause tooth decay too.
SOME DON’TS
Avoid any foods that are hard, sticky or will easily get stuck on your teeth, as these can bend the wires and loosen the braces. So give biltong, peanut brittle, toffee, nuts, corn on the cob, and chewing gum a miss while wearing braces, as they could cause damage to the mechanism.
DENTAL DO
The orthodontist checking up on your braces is not a substitute for regular check ups by your dentist. Orthodontists and dentists look at completely different aspects of dental care, with orthodontists being focused only on correcting your teeth as swiftly as possible. For everything else, you still definitely need your dentist.
