Dental Braces

The 80’s have long been over, but it’s hard to think about dental braces without picturing an awkward teenager in knee-high socks and roller skates with a mouthful of metal. If you were one of the lucky ones who didn’t have to wear metal braces back then, you may never fully appreciate the plight of those seeking a perfect smile.

But the fact is the promise of a perfect smile is enough to commit even the most vain among us to wearing braces. Because if you have certain types of abnormal bites (malocclusions) such as buck teeth, crowded teeth or gapped teeth, then braces can help. A lot.

Types of Braces

A great smile captivates everyone, so it’s no wonder that we’ve become a smile-obsessed nation. Fortunately, orthodontics have come a long way since the era of metal mouth, and these days you can still look good while you try to look even better.

The type of braces you’ll need depends on the type and severity of your malocclusion. Fortunately, today’s braces are less conspicuous than their metal predecessors:

- Ceramic Brackets — Also known as clear braces, these tooth-colored brackets are made of composite materials. Well-known brands include Clarity™, Transcend™ and Interactive Mystique®.

- Sapphire Brackets — Clear white brackets made of pure monocrystalline sapphire. Inspire ICE™ is a brand of sapphire brackets.

- Lingual Braces — Similar to traditional metal braces, but placed behind the teeth so that they’re virtually unnoticeable.

- Teeth Aligners — Removable mouthguard-like devices made of clear plastic. Invisalign® is an example of a teeth aligners.

Treatment depends on the specific type of braces your orthodontist prescribes, but generally includes three phases: pretreatment, active treatment and retention.

Keep in mind that the road to a straight smile is not short: Though it varies, the average treatment time for fixed braces is 24 months and about a year for teeth aligners. If you wait until your adult years to get braces, plan on treatment taking longer than a child’s.

The Health Benefits

Whatever your motivation is for getting braces, the fact is that straight teeth don’t just look better, they’re healthier, too. When teeth are properly aligned, they’re easier to clean; and when your teeth are clean and plaque-free, you’re less likely to suffer from tooth decay or gum disease.

Wearing braces can also help prevent excessive wear of your teeth; help you chew better; and correct misaligned jaw joints that could be the cause of those nagging headaches and neck pain. Of course, only a qualified orthodontist can determine if you need braces. Although a complete orthodontic exam is recommended by the age of 7, it’s also common to get one as an adult.