Overview of dental braces: what you need to know

If you have crooked teeth, misaligned bite like overbite, crossbite due to uneven teeth, there is still hope. Many treatments can help improve these problems, bringing you straight, even teeth and a confident, bright smile. One of these is dental braces. The dentist will use specialized dental tools to realign your teeth and produce an even bite.

So what are the steps of braces and what you need to know before receiving them? The East Rose Dental (Old Rose Dental Clinic) will show you!

What are dental braces?

Braces are a common orthodontic method. During braces procedure, the dentist will use orthodontic tools to adjust the teeth to grow incorrectly, irregularly and sparsely ... become evenly arranged, helping you to have the most natural and beautiful smile possible.

Besides braces are quite popular, currently invisalign braces is also very popular. When performing this, you do not need to wear braces but rather use a transparent tray, which also works orthodontic. This is the perfect choice for those who have orthodontic needs but do not want to wear braces that are unsightly.

Benefits of braces

Besides the aesthetic benefits, braces measure also brings some noticeable plus points as follows:

• Improve the ability to chew food
• Reduce tooth decay and periodontal disease
• Reduce tooth wear
• Easy brushing, cleaning and flossing
• Minimize the risk of speech impairment
• Reduces the risk of tooth protrusion injuries

Who should get braces?

Cases where braces should be used include:

• Buck teeth
• Prognathism 
• Misaligned teeth
• Teeth gap
• Too many teeth, jagged

Read more: How to prevent overbite after wearing braces?

Does age affect the success of braces?

The mechanical process for moving teeth in braces is the same at any age, therefore anyone can get braces. In fact, plenty of adults choose this treatment for healthy, nice-looking teeth. The period of 10-14 years old is considered the “golden time” for braces. This is when the bones are still developing and teeth can be easily moved.

The main difference between treatments for adults and children is the treatment time for adults takes more time as their bones are no longer developing like these of children.

How long will you have to wear braces?

The required time for braces varies individually, depending on the state and health of the teeth, gums, and jawbones and whether the patient follows the instructions from the dentist. Normally it will take you from 1 to 3 years for the treatment to complete.

After the braces are removed, most patients will have to wear a retainer for the first 6 months and then during sleep for many years after.

Are braces painful?

Unfortunately, the tension created by your braces may result in some pain although there is no damage done to your teeth. Moreover, you may develop some ulcers on the gums and lips. Washing your mouth with salt water can help relieve the pressure and pain. All of the side effects will gradually resolve themselves after a few weeks.

Other things you need to keep in mind are your diet and oral hygiene. Use dental floss after every meal and brush teeth twice a day. Although this will take more of your time and it may be harder for you to pronounce, keep reminding yourself of your target of having nice teeth. You will become more motivated that way.

Read more: The process of getting braces: What to avoid after braces?

What is the cost of braces?

The cost of braces varies for different cases. Treatment of braces may cost from 50-100 million VND on average.

How to care for teeth after removing braces?

After your braces are removed, your teeth will be cleaned thoroughly. The dentist may take X-rays to see if your teeth are straight as expected and whether there is the development of any wisdom tooth. If there is, that wisdom tooth is required to be extracted to prevent newly straightened teeth from shifting back.