Although many people are now turning to Invisalign or other solutions such as clear or lingual braces, metal braces remain tremendously popular. Yet you may wonder exactly what getting braces will be like. Here is what you should know.
The Right Age for Braces
We recommend an initial orthodontics screening around your child’s 7th birthday. This lets us evaluate the teeth as they begin to emerge and take preventive measures to help them come in straight. In many cases, this early intervention is enough, but other kids will still need braces. Depending on individual tooth eruption and growth rate, we typically place braces when the child is between 10 and 14 years old.
It is never too late for braces, though, as long as you have healthy teeth. We have placed lots of braces on older teenagers and adults. In fact, roughly 20% of all people who wear braces are adults. Braces can correct problems with your bite and improve your smile, no matter how long ago your permanent teeth came in.
Reasons for Braces
Aesthetic issues are among the top reasons that people choose to get braces. There is certainly nothing wrong with wanting to improve the look of your smile. Along with this, though, straight teeth are also vital for your oral health. Misaligned teeth can cause jaw pain and can even lead to TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), which can be bad enough to interfere with chewing. In addition, straight teeth are much easier to clean, lowering your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
Treatment Length
You or your child might wear braces for as little as one year or as long as three years, depending on individual needs. To minimize your length of treatment, be sure to keep all appointments, wear all devices as directed, and follow a perfect oral hygiene routine. Still, since every mouth is unique, your length of treatment could vary significantly from that of your friend.
Modern Braces
Braces can never be considered pleasant, but advances in orthodontic technology have vastly improved the braces experience in the past few years. Modern metal brackets are far smaller than they once were, and you can get clear or tooth colored brackets, or even brackets in fashion colors, if desired. Heat-activated wires are gentler on teeth, making adjustments far less painful than they used to be. Smart brackets and wires are more comfortable and more efficient, and they may shorten the total length of treatment.
Calming Kids’ Fears
It’s tough to be a preteen or a teenager, and some kids panic at the thought of getting braces. Give your child plenty of time to adapt to the idea rather than pushing to start treatment right away. Remind her that many kids wear braces, and that treatment is a short-term way to gain benefits that will last a lifetime. If your child knows someone who already wears braces, encourage her to ask lots of questions. Like adults, children generally adapt better when they have plenty of information to rely on.
Ready to Get Started?
If you need braces or Invisalign in the Greater Hartford area, contact Greater Hartford Orthodontics today at 860-667-8277 to schedule your initial evaluation.
Braces have been the treatment of choice for straightening teeth for over a century. Newer options such as Invisalign are gaining traction, but braces remain incredibly popular. Unfortunately, braces can cause some minor oral trouble. Here are some common problems with braces and how to fix them.
Soreness
It is common to feel some soreness for three to five days after getting new braces, and again for a few hours after each adjustment. Relieve tender spots by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and rinsing vigorously. Unless contraindicated, you can also take an over the counter pain reliever such as Advil or Tylenol, and use a topical medication such as Orajel.
If your braces cause irritation of your lips, tongue, cheeks, or gums, try using some wax to reduce rubbing. We will teach you how to properly apply it.
Broken Bracket
We use durable dental cement to bond braces to your teeth, but it is not unusual for an individual bracket to come loose, especially when biting into something sticky or hard. This will not hurt your tooth or the braces, but the bracket will need to be re-secured. If the bracket completely falls off, put it in a safe spot and bring it to your repair appointment. If it is still connected to the arch wire, use wax to reduce mouth irritation and leave it where it is. Make an appointment to see us as soon as possible.
Loose Band
A loose band will also require an appointment as soon as possible. If it is still in place, leave it alone. If it comes out, keep it in a safe place until your repair appointment.
Poking Wire
If you feel a wire poking you, it has likely shifted to one side. Look in the mirror and use a pair of tweezers to gently slide it back into position. If it appears to be centered or you are unable to move it, apply wax to minimize irritation or gently bend it back with a pencil eraser. Schedule an emergency appointment if the wire causes major mouth soreness, or tell us about the problem at your next scheduled visit.
Popped Wire
You can generally push a popped wire back into place with tweezers. If you can’t move it, use wax to reduce mouth irritation. You can also use a pair of small, sterilized fingernail clippers to cut the wire behind the last tooth where it is still bonded. If all or most of the wire popped, make an emergency appointment. Otherwise, tell us about the issue at your next scheduled appointment.
Braces are a wonderful way to straighten your teeth, but they can cause minor mouth problems. Follow the advice above, and always give us a call if you have any questions or are not sure what to do.
Ready to Get Started?
If you need braces or Invisalign in the Greater Hartford area, contact Greater Hartford Orthodontics today at 860-667-8277 to schedule your initial evaluation.
At first, it might seem impossible to brush your teeth if you have braces. How are you supposed to reach your teeth with all those large brackets in front of it? Brushing your teeth is extremely important when you wear braces, as you don’t want food particles to get stuck. Here are some tips you can use to brush your teeth effectively with braces.
Rinse Out Your Mouth with Water
Before you do anything, rinse your mouth out thoroughly with water. You’d be surprised by how many food particles can be dislodged by this simple, often overlooked step. It’s a good idea to rinse out your mouth regularly to see if the easy to remove particles will shift.
Brush Your Gum Line at a 45° Angle
You should try to brush your gum line first, at a 45° angle. This will stimulate your gums and remove any biofilm that has started to build up around the bottom of your teeth. It can be more difficult to brush the front of your teeth, but you should have an easy time brushing your gums. Just be sure to brush softly, as you don’t want to irritate your gums.
Brush Each Bracket
Next, you’ll want to gently brush each and every bracket individually to make sure you remove as much as you can. You’ll want to work on the top and bottom of the bracket separately. You don’t want to pull on the bracket or wires, as you don’t want to damage it. Take your time as you brush your braces. You don’t want to rush the process and accidentally damage your braces or teeth.
Use a Flosser or Waterpik
It is still important to floss every day, even if you have braces and flossing seems extremely difficult. You can talk with your orthodontist or dental hygienist on the best flossing techniques you can use now that you have braces. Some people find it easier to use a floss threader or a small brush to get into the crevices.
You may also consider a water flosser or a waterpik. Many dental providers recommend water flossers for their patients with braces, as it can easily remove plaque from hard to reach places. However, remember that there is a learning curve to using a waterpik. It may take you several tries to get used to operating one on yourself. This doesn’t mean it isn’t worth learning how to do. Just remember that a water flosser is in addition to brushing your teeth properly, it doesn’t replace it.
Having braces might make brushing your teeth seem more daunting. However, it is an extremely important part of your oral hygiene routine. If you have questions about how to brush your teeth with braces or need to make an appointment, call Greater Hartford Orthodontics at 860-667-8277.