Braces (Orthodontia)

Braces are applied to teeth for various reasons, including poorly aligned jaws, crooked, crowded and missing teeth, or a bad bite (also called malocclusion).

Various things can cause teeth to become crooked or jaws misaligned, including thumb-sucking or a traumatic injury. Some conditions are inherited.

Children between the ages of 7 and 14 are typical candidates for braces because their facial structures are still developing. Adult braces usually entail additional procedures because their faces have already fully developed.

About Braces

Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that deals with corrections involving jaw and teeth alignment.

Braces employ the use of wires and are usually one of three types:

  • Old-fashioned, conventional braces, which employ the use of metal strips, or bands.
  • Metal or plastic brackets that are cemented or bonded to teeth.
  • Brackets that attach to the back teeth (also called lingual braces).

Procedures

Orthodontic procedures, also called orthodontia, are complex processes.

In most cases, a dentist will need to make a plaster cast of the individual's teeth and perform full X-rays of the head and mouth.

After orthodontic appliances are placed, they need to be adjusted from time to time to ensure that they continue to move the teeth into their correct position.

Retainers are used following braces to ensure that teeth remain in position.

Aesthetic and Comfort Issues

Advances in technology have vastly improved appearance issues with orthodontia.

Braces today are made from extremely lightweight and natural-colored materials. The materials that braces attach to-brackets-are bonded to the surfaces of teeth but can be later removed.

People can expect to wear braces for about two years—less or more in some cases. Adults are usually required to wear braces for longer periods of time.

Because orthodontic appliances need to be adjusted from time to time to ensure they continue to move the teeth into their correct position, they can create pressure on the teeth and jaws. This mild discomfort usually subsides following each orthodontia adjustment.

Hygiene issues

People who wear braces must be diligent in ensuring that food particles and other debris do not get trapped in the network of brackets and wires. In addition, brackets can leave stains on enamel if the area surrounding them is not cleaned on a daily basis.

Daily oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing and rinsing are a necessity. Some people with orthodontic appliances can benefit from using water picks, which emit small pressurized bursts of water that can effectively rinse away such debris.

Another caveat: Braces and sticky foods don't mix. Crunchy snacks and chewy substances should be avoided at all costs because they can cause orthodontia to be loosened or damaged.

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are helpful dental devices that can help teeth grow in normally following premature tooth loss, injury or other problems.

The devices can help ensure that proper spaces are maintained to allow future permanent teeth to erupt.

If your child loses a baby tooth early through decay or injury, his or her other teeth could shift and begin to fill the vacant space. When your child's permanent teeth emerge, there's not enough room for them. The result is crooked or crowded teeth and difficulties with chewing or speaking.

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Tuesday:

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "The doctor and staff at Advanced Dental Care were professional and personable. Being a little anxious about the visit, I was quickly put at ease and comforted by Dr. K's calm demeanor and reassuring tone. He was knowledgeable and well- informed about what my dental health care concerns were and perfectly articulated what steps needed to be taken for the best possible outcome. Kudos to the healthcare team at ADC, and I will definitely be going back! You guys are truly amazing!"
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  • "I've been going to "Dr. B" for almost 20 years. I wouldn't go anywhere else."
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  • "We have been patients of Dr. B at Advanced Dental Care for almost 10 years. The level of care and friendliness are a pleasure to have. We really feel taken care of and know that they care about our health and well being. Outstanding job by Dr. B and his staff!"
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  • "I'm a student from out of state and I was worried about finding a dentist that would accept my insurance. Not only did Dr. B take my insurance, the whole staff was friendly and helpful. They worked around my busy finals schedule and the procedure was quick and simple. (Root canal.) I would recommend this practice to anyone!"
    Regan S.
  • "I finally found a dentrist I trust. The whole dental staff is very knowledgable. A+++"
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  • "Dr. Jay is great along with the staff. Everyone is helpful and friendly."
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  • "Always a great experience. I am definitely one of those anxious patients that has the fight-back reflex but the staff is always great and patient, but still thorough. Thank you!!"
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  • "Best dental experience anywhere...and I've lived all over this country and in 2 other countries. Dr. Bhojwani and staff are terrific."
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