Meet the Big Boss – we call her ‘Braces.’
Not just for youth, braces are a wonderful way for people of all ages to realign their teeth (think underbite and overbite), correct crowding, and straighten any teeth that may be crooked. .
While many dentists perform basic teeth realignment procedures, we must defer to the real alignment specialists…
Orthodontists.
These are the folks who correct misaligned ‘bites’ and issues of the jaw – the more complicated stuff.
A trusted orthodontist will perform a clinical exam, take X-rays, and make a digital scan of your teeth, in order to diagnose whatever issue a patient may be experiencing and offer treatment options.
There are four types of braces in common usage:
- Metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Lingual braces
- Clear aligners
Which type is right for you will depend on your situation and, to some degree, your preferences.
In some cases, for example, clear aligners or “invisible braces” can be used to avoid the infamous ‘mouthful of metal.’
The amount of time you need to wear them is also context dependent, and factors under consideration typically include:
- The severity of the problem
- The amount of physical space in your mouth
- The distance your teeth need to travel
- The health of your teeth, gums, and bones
- How closely you follow the instructions
On average, people will wear braces for anywhere between 1-3 years.
If you or anyone you know stands in need of braces, you are now the expert, and we trust you will recommend the appropriate course of action.
While an orthodontist is the safest bet, we are happy to provide consultation on whether braces are definitely required, and, if so, can point you in the right direction :)
