The American Association of Orthodontists reports that in the United
States 4.5 million people are wearing braces or other dental appliances
to straighten teeth and provide a healthy, beautiful smile1.
As many of us know, an orthodontist is a dentist with additional clinical
training to treat malocclusions (improper bites), which may result
from tooth irregularity and jaw issues.
Why Do Teeth Become Crooked?
Terry Pracht, DDS, past president of the American Association of Orthodontics
says that both heredity and environmental factors can create crooked
teeth and bite problems. Dr. Pracht mentions that hereditary factors
include crowded teeth, teeth where there is too much space and malocclusions.
He also mentions that crooked teeth can be caused by thumb sucking
and tongue thrusting as well as accidents occurring to the jaw(1).
What are Treatment Options to Straighten Teeth or Malocclusions?
There are three stages of orthodontic treatment. The first is when appliances
are used to gain space in the mouth. For example, palatal expanders
are used to expand the width of the palate and lingual bars are used
to expand the lower jaw. The active corrective stage is next when the
braces are placed on the teeth. The teeth are then adjusted and then
straightened and malocclusions are corrected over a period of time
based upon the severity of the irregularity of the teeth and jaw issues.
The third stage is the retention stage after braces are removed and
when the teeth are monitored through the use of a retainer (removable
or fixed) and semi-annual orthodontic visits are conducted to maintain
the straightened smile.
Types of Braces
Braces from over 30 or so years ago included large metal bands that were
enclosed and cemented around each tooth. Braces can be attached to
the cheek side of the teeth as well as the tongue side of the teeth
depending on what your orthodontist recommends to you for treatment.
Braces, arch wires and bands can be colorful and a lot of fun for children,
adolescents and teenagers to choose from.
Today, tiny brackets are placed onto the front surface of the tooth and
are made of metal or ceramic. The brackets are bonded to the front tooth
surface with a glue-like material and metal bands can be used on the
back teeth. Arch wires are placed inside the brackets and are made of
a heat-activated nickel-titanium source that can become warm due to the
temperature in the mouth, which will allow it to apply constant pressure
on the teeth as well as when the arch wires are adjusted at the orthodontist’s
office.
Another newer alternative to braces is the Invisalign system which uses
a series of clear removable aligners that are worn during the day and
night to help in moving teeth into the correct alignment. When eating
or brushing and flossing, the aligners may be removed.
Caring for Braces
Your orthodontist, dentist or dental hygienist will provide you with
thorough instruction of how to properly clean your braces. There are
many toothbrushes you can use both manual (specifically designed for
orthodontic patients), power, electric or sonic. Ask your dental professional
which is be best for you. Brushing should be conducted at least 2-3
times per day at a 45 degree angle in a back and forth motion. Be sure
to remove plaque at the gum line to prevent gingivitis (inflammation
of the gum tissue). Be sure to angle the toothbrush at the gum line
and then gently brush around the brackets to remove plaque and food
debris.
It is very important to clean in between your teeth with a floss threader
and floss, a
stimudent (tooth pick cleaner) or a proxabrush (interproximal cleaning
brush) may be used if there is space between the teeth. Oral irrigators
may be recommended to remove food debris and irrigate the gum tissue
to remove disease and odor-causing bacteria that may be there if you
have gingivitis. An antibacterial toothpaste and over-the-counter antimicrobial
mouth rinses could also be used with the oral irrigator or alone.
How to Maintain a Smile After the Braces are Off
After your orthodontist has determined that your braces can be removed,
it is very important that a retainer (a plastic appliance) be worn
during the day or night as recommended by them. The retainer can be
cleaned with warm water or toothpaste and a toothbrush after you wear
it and placed in a plastic container when not in use.
See your dental professional for a twice a year professional cleaning
and the orthodontist for regular maintenance appointments.
© Copyright 2009 Colgate-Palmolive Company
References:
1. Braces: Not Just for Looks, Causes of Crooked Teeth. Reviewed information
at
http://www.enotalone.com/article/9045.html |
