Braces are a very common way of aligning teeth. There are a number of different types of braces that have become readily available to patients now and these all come under the umbrella terminology of orthodontics. Dentists that deal with braces and teeth alignment are known as orthodontists. If patients consider that they require orthodontics in Weybridge they should look into Weybridge Orthodontics, leading experts in their field who provide quality customer care and act in a professional and friendly manner towards their patients at all times.
What are braces?
Braces in the traditional term are essentially pieces of metal that get attached to the surface of the teeth and are designed to straighten teeth. This is usually the most common method used amongst teenagers and young adults. The reason for this is that metal braces are provided for under the NHS which means that they are free of charge.
How do braces work?
It is essential as parents to ensure that children visit their dentist regularly from a young age through their teen years and into adulthood. This is so as to ensure that the dentist can take proper care of the teeth at all stages of a child’s life. The dentist will be able to monitor any dental issues and whether a child will require braces. If the dentist finds that the patient is in need of braces they will discuss this with the patient’s parents and discuss the options that are available to the patient. For teenagers the sensible and easy option is to go for metal braces.
The dentist will discuss a treatment plan and first determine the length of time that the patient will need to wear the braces for. Usually the standard length of time for braces is between 12 to 18 months. Sometimes the treatment plan can be for longer but the orthodontist will determine this at the time of the initial appointment and this will depend on the patient’s individual circumstances.
Caring for braces
Before the braces can be fitted the dentist will need to take imprints of the teeth to ensure that when the metal brace is fitted that it is the correct length of metal to make sure that it does not cause any discomfort to the patient. The patient may feel a tightening and heavy sensation at first but as they become accustomed to having the brace attached to the teeth this sensation will subside.
As the brace is made of a thin metal it is possible and does quite frequently happen that the brace snaps or breaks and has to be fixed. Patients should try to avoid this from happening as it can impact on the efficacy of the treatment and also the length of treatment time.
Patients should also avoid eating hard sweets and other hard snacks and also fizzy drinks. It is imperative that oral hygiene is maintained to avoid bacteria from building up around the brace. This can be unsightly to look at and also impacts on the efficacy of the treatment. Therefore brushing twice daily and flossing is imperative!
