Braces Las Vegas are a common orthodontic treatment that can provide many benefits to patients. Most people are familiar with traditional metal braces which consist of three main parts: metal brackets affixed to each tooth, arch wires that span across all teeth, and ligatures (small elastic bands).
These bands are used to hold the arch wire, which exerts constant pressure on your teeth. This pressure slowly moves your teeth into a more optimal position.
Having braces is an excellent way to fix your teeth misalignment and close gaps, but it can also make it more challenging to maintain good oral hygiene. The wires and brackets can trap bits of food and create areas where the toothbrush bristles cannot reach effectively, leading to plaque buildup, bad breath, and even gum disease.
Luckily, there are several tips that can help you brush and floss more effectively while wearing braces. For starters, you should use a soft-bristled brush or an electric toothbrush with a special orthodontic head to better clean around your braces. You should also try to brush at least five times a day, and each session should last for about 5 minutes. Brushing after each meal and before going to bed is particularly important, as it can help to reduce bacteria levels in the mouth during these nocturnal hours.
Another great way to improve your oral hygiene while you have braces is to have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. During these cleanings, your dental hygienist can remove any trapped debris and check for signs of tooth decay. If you have crowded or overlapping teeth, a professional cleaning can also help to eliminate these problems before they lead to bigger issues in the future.
In addition to regular cleanings, you should also focus on eating a well-balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly during your treatment. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your orthodontic treatment is successful and your smile stays healthy for life.
A More Attractive Smile
A confident smile is a powerful tool for making a positive impression. If you feel self-conscious about crooked teeth, braces offer a transformative journey to a healthier, more attractive smile. Braces Harrisburg PA can close gaps, address overlapping or overcrowded teeth, and achieve a better balance between your smile’s overall symmetry and beauty.
Crooked teeth and overcrowded teeth can have negative effects on your oral health, causing tooth decay, gum disease, or impacted teeth. When you have properly aligned teeth, it’s easier to brush and floss them regularly, reducing the risk of these issues. Braces can also help prevent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, which are commonly caused by misaligned teeth and jaw muscles.
If you have crowded or crooked teeth, it’s more difficult to maintain your oral hygiene, leading to gum complications or severe infections. Over time, this can also affect your mood and the appearance of your smile. Braces are designed to gradually move your teeth into the proper positions, resulting in a healthier, more attractive smile.
Many people with crooked or overcrowded teeth are self-conscious about their smile. They may hide their teeth behind their lips or avoid smiling, which can impact their professional and personal life. A beautiful, straight smile is associated with traits like friendliness, warmth, and intelligence. Research has shown that a pleasant-looking smile can boost self-esteem and lead to a more successful career, better relationships, and greater happiness.
Clearer Speech
Many people associate orthodontic treatment with crooked teeth and straightening smiles, but there are also many ways that orthodontics can help fix speech problems. Some of the most common speech impediments, including slurring, lisps and stuttering, stem from issues with the tongue and jaw alignment. These issues can be fixed with braces and other dental appliances.
For example, slurring can be caused by teeth that do not fit properly or by the tongue having trouble pushing against crowded teeth. These types of misalignments can be corrected with metal braces, which provide a better surface for the tongue to work against. This can make slurring much easier to manage.
Braces can also improve lisps, which are caused by the tongue having difficulty moving around and positioning itself in specific areas of the mouth when speaking. For example, certain sounds in the English language require that the teeth be positioned precisely, such as CH as in chair, SH as in shape, F as in foot, V as in van, and J as in jump. These sounds are typically impacted by jaw and tooth misalignments, such as an overbite, crossbite, or crowding.
Although you may initially have some difficulties with articulating certain words when wearing braces, these challenges are usually temporary as your body adjusts to the appliance. Your orthodontist will give you guidance on how to overcome these issues and will recommend speech therapy, which can help you train your lips and tongue to work together harmoniously with your bite while the appliance is in place.
If you have any questions or concerns about how your speech will be affected while wearing braces, be sure to schedule an introductory call with our office today. Our team will be happy to address any concerns you may have and help you feel confident with your smile, even during treatment.
Better Bone Health
Misaligned teeth, or malocclusions, can cause extra stress on gum tissues and even erode the jawbone. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss and a host of oral health problems. Braces can correct this problem by putting the teeth and jaw in their proper positions.
The main component of a brace is the bracket, which is a small square-shaped piece of metal that is bonded to each individual tooth. Each bracket has a slot opening that allows for the use of wires to support and push the teeth into alignment. Today’s modern brackets typically use a high-quality stainless steel or a ceramic material for their construction. They also feature a sleeve that covers the front surface of the teeth, which helps to protect them from staining or discoloration.
A metal wire, or arch wire, is used to help guide the teeth into their new position. The wires may contain springs or coils, which add additional pressure where necessary. For the most severe cases, a special type of wire called Nitinol is utilized. This super-strong wire was originally developed by NASA for use on solar panels and antennas for their space shuttles.
Another key benefit of braces is their ability to improve oral health by reducing plaque accumulation in hard-to-reach areas. Crooked and overcrowded teeth create nooks and crannies that are difficult to clean, providing fertile ground for bacteria to thrive. Braces can eliminate these areas, making it easier to brush and floss effectively, thereby reducing the risk of gum disease and other dental complications.
Fewer Impacted Teeth
Many people are surprised to find that braces can help fix a variety of dental problems, including impacted teeth. This is an issue that can lead to severe infections if left untreated, so it’s important that you take the steps necessary to make sure your teeth grow in properly. If a tooth is trapped under the gum tissue, or if it grows into the space that is needed by another tooth, it can cause complications such as root damage and loss of the tooth. To prevent this, orthodontia may be prescribed to reposition the tooth.
Traditional metal braces are the most common and effective corrective treatment option. They consist of metal brackets affixed to the front of the teeth with a wire that is then tightened to put pressure on different areas of the mouth and gradually shift the teeth into proper alignment. Braces are also often used to correct bite issues, which can be caused by crooked teeth or teeth that don’t fit together well, as well as jaw misalignment.
When teeth are misaligned, they can be more difficult to clean, which can increase your risk for cavities, gum disease, deteriorating enamel, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. By fixing these issues, you can enjoy a healthier and more attractive smile for life.
There are several options available to correct crooked and misaligned teeth, including invisible braces, clear aligners, and Invisalign®. Your dentist or orthodontist will help you determine which one is the best choice for your specific needs. By following the care instructions provided by your orthodontist, and attending your scheduled appointments, you can ensure that your braces give you the positive results you deserve!