I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
Braces are a fantastic way to achieve a better smile. Crooked teeth can be unsightly and make it difficult to eat normal foods. With braces, you can have better dental health and appearance. Here are 4 kinds of braces:
Metal
These are the most inexpensive types of braces and are the traditional ones that you will see. They are made of stainless steel. The downside with these is that they are more visible than the other options. Metal braces have a thin wire that holds rubber bands and puts pressure on your teeth to arrange them to the desired place. At first, the metal braces can irritate your gums and cheeks. Once you are wearing them, you'll need to watch the kinds of things you eat, and avoid certain foods that could stick to your braces, including caramel and gum. Also, you will want to avoid eating harder foods that could dislodge your braces.
Ceramic
These cost more than stainless steel braces, but they blend in with the color of your teeth and are therefore less visible. You can choose between getting ones with elastic ties that are clear or with metal ties that are white. These won't stain your teeth. However, the ties can become discolored, and therefore if you drink a lot of coffee you may want to get your ties replaced. They are also more likely to break or chip so consider the needed maintenance that you will have.
Lingual Braces
These can be customized to hide behind your teeth so they won't be seen. Instead of metal braces showing in the front of your teeth, a brace holds the wires on the back side of your teeth. The cost is higher because of this and the complicated process needed to place them. You will need to learn to practice speaking with them as well as they may block the tongue.
Invisible
These braces are clear plastic caps that cover your teeth all the way instead of being mounted. They may be uncomfortable originally, but then you can get used to them. You should wear them at least 20 hours a day, and avoid the temptation to leave them out overnight, as they are removable.
Braces are a wonderful modern invention that allow people with crooked or unsightly teeth to get them corrected. With the proper alignment, your teeth can look healthy and you can have a confident smile. For more information, contact Dr. James A. Dempsey or a similar dental professional.
Share11 November 2015
