Kissing with Braces

A top concern about braces for both adults and teenagers is whether they will still be able to kiss.

The short answer is that it depends on what type of braces you get.

With old fashioned clunky braces, it is sometimes uncomfortable to kiss.

However most orthodontic manufacturers now make smaller braces which make kissing comfortable.

Of course, a lot also depends on your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend.

As two out of three teenagers wear braces at some time, it's an issue most of them get used to.

While it's less common for adults, most realize how important orthodontics is, and will support you in improving your smile and your health.

There are a few tips to make kissing easier:

Wait a bit: Wait about a month after getting braces to make sure any initial soreness has gone.

Take it easy: Start off very gently so you can get a feel for what is most comfortable for each of you.

Watch the tongue: Your partner will have to take care to avoid touching your braces with their tongue to avoid getting cut.

Be gentle: Pushing lips too hard together might cut the insides of your lips.

Most important, relax. Don't worry about getting it right first time.

It may be different but you'll get used to it and enjoy it.

It will be worth it in the long-run.

At What Age Should I Get Orthodontic Treatment?

Some people think orthodontic treatment is only for teenagers but truth is you can get it at any age.

Your jaw is growing the quickest when your are 8 or 9 so it is usually best to expand your jaw and reshape your mouth at that age.

Permanent teeth usually come in around 12 or 13 and that is normally the best time to start full orthodontic treatment.

However some children as young as 4 start orthodontics early to avoid a problem later on.

You can get braces at any age but as you get older the treatment takes longer and hurts more.

By time you are 20, you may need surgery to expand your jaw. However, adults as old as 90 can get orthodontic treatment to fix crooked teeth.

Orthodontic treatment works best and is the least painful around ages 8 to 14 so it's usually best to start orthodontic treatment that age.

At What Age Should I Get Orthodontic Treatment?

Some people think orthodontic treatment is only for teenagers but truth is you can get it at any age.

Your jaw is growing the quickest when your are 8 or 9 so it is usually best to expand your jaw and reshape your mouth at that age.

Permanent teeth usually come in around 12 or 13 and that is normally the best time to start full orthodontic treatment.

However some children as young as 4 start orthodontics early to avoid a problem later on.

You can get braces at any age but as you get older the treatment takes longer and hurts more.

By time you are 20, you may need surgery to expand your jaw. However, adults as old as 90 can get orthodontic treatment to fix crooked teeth.

Orthodontic treatment works best and is the least painful around ages 8 to 14 so it's usually best to start orthodontic treatment that age.

Visiting an Orthodontist

Orthodontics is a specialist area of dentistry focused on treating problems like crooked teeth and bad bite known as malocclusion.

Orthodontic work gives you a better smile and leads to many health benefits.

The treatment is provided through braces, corrective procedures and other 'appliances' to straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment.

While most dentists are trained to treat minor orthodontic problems, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist.

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Orthodontic treatment varies depending on the condition but most people wearing braces do so for between one and three years.

This is followed by a period of wearing a 'retainer' that holds teeth in their new positions.

Although a little discomfort is expected during treatment, modern materials apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth.

Today’s braces are therefore more comfortable and effective than ever before.

Why Teenagers Need Braces

The idea of getting braces may at first be daunting to a teenager.

But the benefits definitely make it worthwhile.

It may be hard to believe at first but the long-term benefit is a better smile that makes you look great.

Truth is about 70% of US teenagers need braces so, if you look around your class, probably about two out of three of your friends have braces or will have them soon.

Just take a look in the mirror and decide if you like your smile.

Whatever you think now, your orthodontist will make your smile even better.

Think about how much that will boost your social life.

However, it's not just about your smile, there are many health benefits of braces:

- You will be able to chew your food better: When teeth are not straight, you can't chew your food correctly. This can cause an upset stomach.

- You will avoid dental problems: If you do not get orthodontic treatment when you need it, your teeth will be hard to clean and your gums will hurt.

- You may avoid developing a breathing problem: The roof of your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose. This causes you to snore loudly and may contribute to a condition called "sleep apnea".

Therefore braces can make a big difference to your life both now and in the future.

Solving the Problem of Bad Bite

Orthodontic treatment is used to correct a 'bad bite'.

Bad bite - also called  malocclusion - occurs when teeth are crowded or crooked.

Sometimes teeth may appear straight but, because the upper and lower jaws do not meet properly, you can have an uneven bite.

Jaw problems and teeth that are protruding, crowded or irregularly spaced can be inherited or may be caused by factors such as accidents or losing teeth prematurely.

Orthodontic treatment leads to a healthier mouth - and an important additional benefit is that it makes you look better by giving you a better smile.

When teeth are crowded or crooked, it is more difficult to clean the mouth properly.

This can lead on to tooth decay, gum disease and even loss of teeth.

When you have an improper bite, chewing and speaking can be more difficult.

This can cause abnormal wear to tooth enamel and can lead to problems with the jaws.

Orthodontic treatment can therefore lead to improvements in your health as well as making you look and feel better.

Myths about orthodontists

Here is the truth on some common myths about orthodontists

Myth – Any dentist can straighten my teeth.
Truth – An orthodontist is a specialist at straightening teeth with two or three years of additional training after dental school.
They usually see hundreds of orthodontic patients a year where some family dentists may see only a handful.

Myth – Only children wear braces
Truth – Around 20% of orthodontic patients are adults

Myth – You only need to see an orthodontist for very complex cases.
Truth – Orthodontists have wide experience and deal with all types of orthodontic issue. However, their wide experience means they know exactly what to do in the most complex cases.

Myth – Seeing an orthodontist is more expensive than going to a general dentists for orthodontic treatment.
Truth – They are usually doing different work. An orthodontist offers value as an expert, highly experienced professional with specific training in this field.

Myth – Braces are painful and take years to work
Fact – Like a new pair of shoes, braces are perfectly comfortable after an initial ‘breaking in’ or adjustment period. Braces can get results after just a few months.

Myth – Braces are ugly and embarrassing in business settings.
Truth – Today braces can be made from clear plastic and can be nearly invisible. They can also be mounted on the back side of the teeth so that they are not visible.

Five ways an orthodontist could help you and your children

Orthodontists are specially-trained dentists who can give you a better smile.

They do this by bringing the teeth, jaw bones and facial profile into proper alignment.

Here are five ways they could help you or your family:

– Straightening your teeth to cut the risk of decay and gum disease

– Enhancing your appearance to boost your self-esteem

– Correcting protruding or misaligned teeth to get rid of speech problems

– Treating jaw joint difficulties known as TMJ

– Correcting jaw problems

An orthodontist will give you a full oral examination looking not just at the teeth but also at surrounding structures, jaw joints, facial aesthetics, muscular functions and speech patterns.

There are several options after this examination.

Sometimes – for example in younger children – it is too soon to do anything so they might advise coming back in a few months.

As the majority of a child’s facial growth happens before age 10, early treatment can deliver results without needing to have teeth extracted and may mean less time with braces.

When most of the adult teeth have erupted, it is possible to re-align the teeth into the desired position.

Although you get the best results by going to see an orthodontist as early as possible they can help people of any age.

Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

Despite what many people think, orthodontic treatment is not only for children.

Orthodontists are specially-trained dentists who bring the teeth, jaw bones and facial profile into proper alignment. 

They can therefore give you a better smile and improve your dental health.

It’s never too late to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, bite problems, incorrect jaw position, or jaw-joint disorders.

The biological process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age.

However treatment for adults can take a little longer than for a child.

As an adult's facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone and sometimes surgery is required.

However, whatever your age, it's never too late to improve your dental health and make your smile more beautiful.

How braces help both children and adults

Crowded or crooked teeth known as malocclusion not only spoil your smile, they also increase your risk of dental health problems.

Corrective procedures and appliances such as braces straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment.

Malocclusions are often noticed around ages 6 12, when the adult teeth begin to erupt.

The process of straightening out teeth, known as orthodontic treatment, often begins between ages 8 and 14. The best results are obtained when a child begins treatment while they are still growing.

This means its a good idea for a child to have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, they have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth.

Its possible for braces to work later and even in adults but there are many advantages in starting as soon as possible.

Your dentist will be able to spot problems with emerging teeth and jaw growth early on, while the primary teeth are present.

Thats why regular dental examinations are important.

For adults, its not too late to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw position or jaw-joint disorders. The biological process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age.

The difference is that adult treatment takes a little longer than a child’s treatment. As an adult’s facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone.

But, whatever your age, it’s never too late to improve your dental health and improve your smile.

Living with Braces

While modern braces can be comfortable and inconspicuous, there are some extra steps you can take in your central hygiene to look after them better.

Firstly, you need to continue brushing your teeth regularly - your dentist will show you the best approach.

You should also continue flossing daily and making regular visits to the dentist.

When you wear braces, it's especially useful to limit any snacks between meals.

There are also some foods that your dentist may advise you to avoid such as nuts, popcorn, hard candy, chewing gum or caramel.

Some of these may interfere with braces or accidentally bend the wires.

When you wear braces, you can still enjoy sports and other leisure activities.

Your dentist may recommend a protective mouth guard to cut any risk of injury to the mouth or jaw.

When you follow good oral hygiene practices, you can continue to wear braces comfortably while making a big difference to your smile and your dental health.

How braces look good

Braces are orthodontic appliances that can help straighten out crooked and crowded teeth.

As well as making you look better, they can help improve your dental health.

Many people have been put off wearing them because of how they look but modern braces can be very inconspicuous.

One way of making them inconspicuous is by having the brackets - the part that attaches to each tooth - fixed to the back of the tooth.

The brackets can be also be made in many different materials such as metal, ceramic or plastic so they can be more attractive or less visible.

They can also be designed to appear less noticeable - say be being clear or tooth-colored.

You can also choose to have them in virtually any color. You can even have them gold-plated or glowing in the dark.

Some people like to have their braces shaped in as something distinctive such as a heart or a football.

Five ways an orthodontist could help you and your children

Orthodontists are specially-trained dentists who can give you a better smile.

They do this by bringing the teeth, jaw bones and facial profile into proper alignment. 

Here are five ways they could help you or your family:

- Straightening your teeth to cut the risk of decay and gum disease

- Enhancing your appearance to boost your self-esteem

- Correcting protruding or misaligned teeth to get rid of speech problems

- Treating jaw joint difficulties known as TMJ

- Correcting jaw problems

An orthodontist will give you a full oral examination looking not just at the teeth but also at surrounding structures, jaw joints, facial aesthetics, muscular functions and speech patterns.

There are several options after this examination.

Sometimes - for example in younger children - it is too soon to do anything so they might advise coming back in a few months.

As the majority of a child's facial growth happens before age 10, early treatment can deliver results without needing to have teeth extracted and may mean less time with braces.

When most of the adult teeth have erupted, it is possible to re-align the teeth into the desired position.

Although you get the best results by going to see an orthodontist as early as possible they can help people of any age.

How Dental Braces are Changing

The range of braces that modern orthodontists can offer is continuing to grow.

Traditional metal braces are still the most widely used.

With the conventional approach to these, ties are used to hold the archwire in place. However, there is now a newer approach to this known as self-ligating or self-tying brackets.

Clear braces offer a more visually appealing alternative to traditional metal braces as they blend in more effectively with the natural color of the teeth.

These are usually made of ceramic or plastic material and they work in a similar way to traditional metal brackets. As clear braces can be more brittle than metal braces, removing them can be more complicated.

Gold plated braces may be used for people allergic to components of the stainless steel in traditional braces - though some choose gold for cosmetic reasons.

Lingual braces are fitted behind the teeth so are not as visible but they can be harder to get used to.

Removable aligners such as Invisalign can be used to move teeth gradually into the desired positions in less complex cases.

Finally, work is being put into the development of "smart brackets" containing microchips that will help simply and shorten the treatment process.

The Process of Getting Braces

Before you get braces, your dentist or orthodontist will determine if braces are suitable for you and will help solve the problems you face.

First they will conduct a visual inspection of your teeth.

If they determine that you need braces, they will set up what is known as a "records appointment". At this appointment, X-rays, molds, and impressions are made of your mouth and teeth.

These records will be used to help determine the best action to take.

The full course of treatment may be between six months to two and a half years depending on the issues.

The fist step of fitting the braces is to apply adhesive to help the cement bond to the surface of the tooth.

Normally, the teeth will then be banded and brackets added. Dental cement is used to apply the bracket and light will be used to help this harden quickly. This usually takes a few seconds per tooth.

Spacers may be used to create room for molar bands to be added later to ensure brackets will stick. These can be used when previous dental work such as fillings makes it difficult to secure a bracket to the teeth.

An archwire is then threaded between the brackets and affixed with elastic or metal ligatures. The archwires will need to be adjusted frequently to help achieve the desired outcome.

When the archwire is cold, it is normally flexible so that it can be easily threaded between the brackets. After it heats up to body temperature, the archwire attempts to retain its shape. This is what applies the light force needed to move the teeth.

Often there is a problem because there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth to fit properly. If this is the case, then some teeth may be removed. Alternatively, an expander may be used to enlarge the palate or arch.

Braces need to be adjusted every couple of months and this may cause a little discomfort. But most of the time with braces you will forget they are there.

What Happens After You No Longer Need Braces?

When braces have done their job and moved your teeth into the desired position, you will still need to take steps to ensure they don't move back.

You will normally be given retainers to wear after the braces are no longer needed to ensure the teeth don't drift to their original position.

The most popular type of retainer uses metal hooks that surround the teeth enclosed by an acrylic plate shaped to fit your palate.

If your teeth are not ready for a retainer, your orthodontist may suggest using a pre-finisher.

This is made of rubber and is similar to a mouth guard. It fixes gaps between the teeth, small spaces between the upper and lower jaw, and other minor problems that braces cannot fix.

A pre-finisher is molded to your teeth with pressure applied. You then be advised to apply pressure to it for a few seconds at a time over a set period until it completes its job.

The retainer and pre-finisher are temporary and can be moved in and out of your mouth.

Braces Are Not Only To Straighten Teeth

While many people think braces are only for straightening teeth, they actually help deal with many other problems.

Crowded Teeth: Sometimes your mouth is not big enough to hold all your teeth in the right place. Crowded teeth may become impacted and affect your bite. Crowding can be corrected by removal of teeth as well as braces.

Overbite: Upper teeth extend too far out over the lower teeth. The gap between the upper and lower teeth may lead you to injure your gums or lips. It can also cause your lips to be pushed forward meaning you are not able to close your lips completely over your teeth.

Underbite: Your lower teeth extend in front of your upper teeth. It is usually caused by having a lower jaw longer than the upper jaw.

Crossbite: Some of your upper teeth bite down inside the lower teeth but others bite down correctly. If you suffer from this, you may have problems chewing.

Open Bite: Your lower and upper incisor teeth do not touch when you bite down. This puts a lot of pressure on the back teeth when chewing and biting. If you suffer from this, you might rub your teeth together without intending to.

Space Problems: If you have teeth that are smaller than normal, or you have lost important teeth, you may have spacing problems. The teeth may spread out and, if the spaces become too large, you might have problems biting and chewing. However, the main issue with space problems is often cosmetic.

How Dental Retainers Work with Braces

Dental retainers are devices used to keep teeth in the desired position after braces are removed.

After braces are removed, it still takes some time for teeth to settle into the jawbone and the soft tissue.

Without appropriate action, they might drift back in to the original position.

Retainers can be fixed or removable.

Removable retainers can be taken off to eat or brush your teeth. You wear them all the time for about a year and then wear them only at night for a further period.

Fixed retainers are permanently glued to your teeth and can only be removed by your dentist.

The most common type is Hawley Retainers, which have a plastic base following the shape of your mouth.

This is connected to a wire that wraps around your teeth, keeping them in place.

Essix Retainers are made of clear plastic and some patients prefer them as they cannot be seen but they don't last as long as Hawley retainers.

As well as keeping your teeth in position after wearing braces, retainers can also be used to correct other minor orthodontic problems that don't require a full set of dental braces.

For example, they may be used to move just one tooth or correct a slight malocclusion.

Definitions of Orthodontic Terms

Definitions of Orthodontic TermsDefinitions of Orthodontic Terms

Here are definitions of some of the most common orthodontic terms.

Impressions: A mold of your teeth which is used to make a model of them
Panoramic x-ray: An x-ray made by a machine that rotates around your head to give a full picture of your teeth and jaws
Closed bite: Where the upper teeth cover the lower teeth on biting down
Crossbite: Where some upper teeth are inside the lower teeth on biting down
Crowding: Too many teeth in too small a space
Fixed Appliance: Cemented or bonded to the teeth
Lingual Appliances: Fixed to the inside of the teeth
Malocclusion: Poor positioning of your teeth
Class I: Bite is fine as top teeth line up with bottom teeth but teeth are crooked or crowded
Class II: Upper teeth stick out past lower teeth (also called an "overbite")
Class III: Lower teeth stick out past upper teeth (also called an "underbite")
Occlusion: The alignment and spacing of upper and lower teeth on biting down
Open Bite: Teeth do not close or come together in the front of your mouth
Proper Occlusion: All teeth are straight and top teeth line up with bottom teeth
Wax Bite: Bitemark left on wax to measure how well teeth are aligned

Definitions of Parts of Your Braces

Here are definitions of some of the key terms used for the different elements of braces.

Appliance: Something attached to teeth to move them or change the shape of the jaw
Arch Wire: Metal wire which is attached to brackets to move teeth
Band: Metal ring placed on teeth to hold on parts of braces
Bracket: Device glued on to teeth to fasten the arch wire
Orthodontic Chain: Used to hold archwires into brackets and to move teeth
Ligating Module: Small plastic donut-shaped device to hold the arch wires in the brackets
Lingual Appliances: Orthodontic devices fixed to inside of teeth
Mouthguard: Protects your mouth from injury during sports and other activities to limit injuries
Retainer: Device usually worn for some time after braces removed to hold teeth in position
Wax: Helps stop braces from irritating your lips especially in early stages