ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
More than just a pretty smile: Orthodontics can help you keep your mouth healthy.
Orthodontic treatments like braces help move teeth that are crooked or that do not fit together right. By fixing these problems, orthodontics can also help keep your mouth healthy. Crooked teeth can be harder to clean, putting you at risk for cavities and gum disease. Using x-rays and other tools, your dental professional will decide if orthodontic treatments are right for you.
When should treatment begin?
The best age is between 10 and 14. This is when a child’s head and mouth are still growing and teeth are easier to straighten, but patients can get braces at any age. In fact, more and more adults are getting braces.
The most common orthodontic treatment is braces.
Braces are made of bands, wires, and brackets. They gently move teeth into the right position. This can fix the way you bite together. There are different types of braces. The most common are metal or plastic brackets attached to the front surface of the teeth. “Lingual” braces attach to the back of teeth. They are hidden from view but harder to clean.
Here are some tips to cut down on treatment time:
Practice good oral care.
- Use tools designed for braces, like floss threads, interdental brushes, and electric toothbrushes specifically designed for orthodontics.
- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste and floss between teeth after meals.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash.
Protect your braces
- Don’t chew on pens, straws, or ice cubes.
- Don’t bite your nails or play with elastics. Don’t eat hard or sticky foods.
