Metal Braces
Metal braces aren’t the most attractive option for straightening teeth, but they are the most effective. What metal braces lack in aesthetic quality, they make up for in their ability to correct most bite issues.
Clear orthodontic aligners give many patients the option of straightening their teeth or fixing their bite without having to get braces. However, some patients have tooth alignment problems that need a more efficient approach to tooth movement, which traditional braces can provide. There are several dental conditions that are hard to fix using just clear aligners, such as teeth that need to be moved vertically (such as canines that erupted too high). Braces may be able to move those teeth more quickly. Clear braces offer the strength and versatility of traditional braces, but without the metal-mouth.
What Are Traditional Braces?
Procedure Overview
If you are not sure braces are worth the cost, consider this: Orthodontic treatment serves more purposes than simply creating a better-looking smile. Teeth that are overcrowded and misaligned can cause more severe dental issues in the future. For example, upper and lower teeth that don’t fit together can grind against each other and eventually lead to damage or even tooth loss. Furthermore, crooked and crowded teeth may be harder to keep clean due to areas that are difficult or impossible to access with a toothbrush or dental floss. Because of this, braces are an important tool for enabling oral hygiene and may be necessary to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
On the other hand, wearing metal braces can also harm your dental hygiene if you do not maintain a rigorous hygiene routine. Food and plaque can easily become stuck in the brackets, so brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing at least once a day is highly advisable. Yes, you still need to floss your teeth even though you have a metal wire in the way! Your orthodontist can give you some tips, and there are appliances that help you “thread” the floss around the wire. You also need to come to your regularly scheduled dental cleaning appointments, of course.
If you want to prevent gunk from getting in your braces in the first place, you can start by following a few dietary restrictions. Avoid foods that are chewy, sticky, crunchy or hard. Caramel, chewing gum and popcorn are a few of braces’ worst enemies. They can get stuck in your brackets, loosen a wire or even damage your braces. As usual, sugary foods and drinks that cause cavities should be kept to a minimum.
Failure to keep your teeth clean while wearing braces can lead to stained teeth, tooth decay and gum disease. Despite being traps for plaque and food particles, braces do have one hygiene benefit—they will force you to overcome any poor brushing and flossing habits! Keep in mind that the difficulty of cleaning teeth with metal braces is a small price to pay for a healthier and more attractive smile.
