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Braces Are Aligning Smiles
by
Gen Wright
Orthodontics is the field of dentistry that deals with corrections involving jaw and teeth alignment. Various things can cause teeth to become crooked or jaws misaligned, including thumb-sucking or a traumatic injury. Crooked teeth, overbites and underbites can also be inherited traits. Early loss of baby teeth can also be to blame for misaligned teeth. Children between the ages of 7 and 14 are the ideal candidates for braces because their facial structures are still developing. This gives orthodontists the opportunity to correct problems early on to prevent more problems in the future. This does not mean braces cannot work for adults as well. Orthodontists just have to work to straighten the teeth with the current jaw structure.
Types of braces
Braces employ the use of wires, functional appliances or a series of plastic aligners to move the teeth to a desired position. There are four common types. The first type of braces is also the most conventional. They consist of metal or plastic brackets that are cemented or bonded to the teeth with connecting wires. The second type of braces involves brackets that are attached to the back of the teeth. There are also wires used in this method to connect the teeth together for orthodontic movement. The third type is the ever-growing in popularity clear aligners such as Invisalign. They fit snuggly against the teeth and create a gentle force that moves teeth over time. They are given in a series during the course of treatments which provide new movements with each new molding. The fourth and last of the types of braces are functional appliances or retainers. They fit in either the roof or the floor of the mouth and produce forces on the teeth to move. They are usually used in the first phase of treatment in growing kids and they are removable.
The procedure
Once your dentist decides that you are in need of orthodontic work, they will need to create a plaster cast of your teeth and perform full x-rays of the head and mouth to evaluate what type of treatment is best for you. Your Boulder, CO dentist will create a treatment plan that will work for you and your lifestyle. After the braces are placed, they need to be adjusted regularly to ensure they continue to move the teeth into the correct position. If you have a retainer, wear it as prescribed in order for the appliance to do its job. Retainers are usually used after braces to ensure the teeth remain in the right position.
HygienePeople who wear braces must be diligent in cleaning food particles and other debris out of the network of brackets and wires. Brackets can also leave stains on the enamel of the tooth of the area surrounding them is not cleaned daily. Daily brushing and flossing is a necessity. Water picks might be helpful for those with orthodontic appliances because they emit small, pressurized bursts of water that clean away food particles. To learn more about braces or other orthodontic procedures visit your Boulder dentist today. Dr. John Montoya, Boulder Invisalign dentist, has been practicing dentistry since graduating with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Creighton University. Dr. Montoya is a well-trained general and cosmetic dentist and offers a variety of dental services at his practice including dental implants, Invisalign, veneers and braces in Boulder, among others. Article Source: eArticlesOnline.com
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