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How do braces work? |
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Orthodontics is a speciality in dentistry which deals with the growth of the face and jaws, development of the occlusion (how the teeth meet) and the prevention and correction of abnormalities of the occlusion.
To
topThe parts of the braces called brackets are glued onto the teeth. Within the brackets is a wire. The brackets and the wires act as handles to move the teeth around. Each bracket is tailor made for each tooth, and there are different types and strengths of wires. There are also many different attachments made for the brackets and the wires, which can virtually move the teeth in any direction.
This is the reason why braces should be handled only by properly qualified persons (orthodontists), as much knowledge of bio-mechanics is required to achieve the proper movements.
Although the parts may appear tiny, each one is laser cut with a specific prescription, and are extremely detailed and complex.
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Who
is an orthodontic specialist?
Not everyone who calls themselves an orthodontist is a trained specialist! An orthodontic specialist is a dentist formally trained in orthodontics with extensive post-graduate training of at least 2 years. While all general dentists are “orthodontically aware” and can recognise the need for treatment, complicated treatment involving fixed braces is most safely and effectively dealt with by a trained specialist (see section on Avoiding unsafe orthodontics).
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For a great-looking smile. |
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To reduce injury to teeth. |
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To
improve co-ordination of jaw growth and tooth development. |
One of the
first things that you’ll notice about someone is their smile!
A beautiful smile is a striking and very attractive feature.
Well-aligned teeth are undoubtedly beautiful.
Therefore, orthodontic treatment can give you a fabulous smile.
A great smile also improves your self-esteem. Properly-aligned teeth also meet together better and can
allow better function (see section on Take the smile test to determine
whether you can benefit from treatment).
In summary, people get braces:
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To improve their looks and self-esteem. Teeth that are crooked, spaced, protruding (buck teeth) can subject children to teasing and negative social stereotyping. Idiots and villains in cartoons and films are often portrayed as having buck teeth or unattractive smiles. |
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To allow teeth to meet properly. |
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To straighten teeth and allow better access for cleaning. This can help prevent cavities and improve the health of your gums. |
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To reduce injury to prominent teeth that stick out. |
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To improve the growth of the gums. |
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To correct bad habits like thumb-sucking. |
Age doesn’t matter!
All children should be monitored for proper dental development. Fluoride supplements and proper brushing habits help to reduce the danger of early loss of teeth. Good dental hygiene can either prevent the need for treatment or at least decrease the severity of later problems, hence making later orthodontic treatment easier. Children should have their first orthodontic screening around 7 years old. Interceptive and active treatment can be started as early as 7 years.
At the other end of the scale, you can be as old as 68!
Are braces fashionable? You bet! As more people realise the importance of a great smile – for both children and adults – the demand for this service has increased. Braces now come in a variety of styles to suit each person – from the almost-invisible, to the most colourful imaginable, to 24k gold plated. (See our Picture gallery).
Having braces shows that you care about you or your child’s appearance and dental health.
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