ORTHODONTICS

What are dental braces?

Dental professionals use dental braces to straighten mal-aligned teeth or correct an improper bite. By correcting the bite and repositioning the mal-aligned teeth help to create an aesthetic straight smile.

Constant pressure is applied to each tooth to move them to the desired position. The dentist frequently tightens them thereby applying slightly more pressure to the teeth to continue tooth movement until the desired result is achieved.

Am I a candidate for braces?

You might consider getting braces if you have:

• Mal-aligned teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Spacing between teeth
• An overbite or underbite
• A crossbite
• An incorrectly positioned jaw

Types of braces

There are four main types of dental braces – metal, ceramic, lingual and Invisalign or invisible braces.

Metal braces

These braces and wires are made of metal. Nowadays metal braces are much smaller and less conspicuous. These are the most economic braces. Metal braces are the most noticeable type of braces.

Ceramic braces

These are tooth-colored braces which makes them less noticeable in appearance. They come in almost the same size and shape as the metal braces. These stains readily if proper care is not taken.

Lingual braces

These braces are the same as metal braces but are placed on the inside of the teeth making them almost invisible from outside, but at the same time makes them harder to maintain. Adjustments can be more time-consuming than regular braces.

Invisalign (Invisible braces)

These are a group of customized clear plastic removable aligners. They have to be changed every fortnightly. With invisalign, you can have a regular diet. Results may be a bit slower than conventional braces.