Braces are the most iconic orthodontic treatment there is. They have been a part of pop culture for decades and this is not in vain. The truth is that for many years, braces have been an extremely popular way of fixing crooked teeth and correcting one’s bite. Many new orthodontic treatments have risen in the last couple of years, but none of them reach the level of braces. In this article, you will learn all the information you need about braces and when you should make your way to a dental clinic in St. Albert to acquire them.
Types of braces
Nowadays, there are different types of braces for people with different demands. The first ones on the list are traditional braces, the ones you are used to seeing on TV and in movies. These consist of metal brackets, an archwire, and elastic O-rings. Other options for people who don’t want their braces to be noticed are ceramic and lingual braces. Ceramic braces work just like traditional braces but they are less noticeable because they blend with the colour of your teeth, which allows them to look more natural. On the other hand, lingual braces are placed on the back surface of your teeth, facing your tongue so they are virtually invisible.
How do braces work?
Braces work just like many other orthodontic treatments, by exerting sustained pressure on your teeth until they gradually shift to the desired positions. This pressure is exerted by, among other things, the archwire which is tightened regularly by a dentist near you to increase the pressure placed on your teeth.
When should you try braces in St. Albert?
It has been reported that the best time to start this treatment is during the teenage years because during this time, the jawbone isn’t completely formed and your teeth will move more easily and faster. Also, in the case of teenagers, it has been proven that they tend to be more proactive—attending all their appointments and taking better care of their braces when other friends are undergoing this treatment simultaneously. Note, the majority of people that acquire braces in St. Albert are around this age, however many adults also wear braces.
Do braces hurt?
If you are looking into braces near you, then probably one of your biggest concerns is “how much do braces hurt?” This is fairly common since braces are quite infamous in this regard. The truth is that this pain may vary. Immediately after starting the treatment you will feel a mild to moderate pressure on your teeth and you won’t be able to bite or eat without pain. This is why many people stick to eating soft foods for the first couple of days. However, as your teeth become accustomed to the pressure, the pain starts to dissipate and you will be able to eat more things. However, you should never eat overly hard or crunchy meals because they can jeopardize the integrity of your braces and damage one of their components. It is vital to know that this pain will return every month when your orthodontist adjusts your braces so that they exert more pressure.
What is the difference between braces and Invisalign? Another very popular orthodontic treatment is Invisalign. It differs from traditional braces in the sense that it is removable and consists of a set of clear plastic aligners that can correct your crooked teeth without the need for braces. This is very convenient. However, there are some cases where the teeth misalignment is too severe and braces are the only ones capable of fixing it. In any event, only a dentist near you can examine you and determine what type of treatment is best for your case.
