Dental braces: 6 essential questions and answers you need to know

1. Are braces really a necessity, or just a fad?

From Prince Harry to Angelina Jolie, many Hollywood celebrities, and more, wore braces.

Nowadays, people accept the use of braces more easily than 10-20 years ago, thanks to the fact that dental education has evolved a lot, as well as the desire to look better and have functional teeth. In most cases, orthodontic problems have a negative influence on the health of the whole body. If you are interested in symptoms that could indicate orthodontic conditions, read this post sapphire braces and Clear Aligner.

2. How can you know if you need braces?

Dental braces are most often prescribed during childhood or adolescence. Adults also get braces more often than in the past. In fact, currently 20% of people with braces are adults.

But there is still misinformation or insufficient information about the fact that adults have no chance to change the position of their teeth. You should know that it is never too late to know to what extent your teeth can be corrected, especially if your problem is a functional one. You will probably need a longer time for your teeth to change and align in the desired position, but it is worth the effort, and our patient patients can confirm this.

There are a variety of signs that may indicate that you or your child need an orthodontic appliance, such as the following:

• teeth visibly crooked, crowded or with a large space between them
• difficulty using floss between teeth
• the bite does not close properly
• difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, sasaiala
• pain in the side of the face

But it is much more difficult to tell if a child needs braces. For this reason, the American Academy of Orthodontics recommends that all children have an orthodontic consultation until the age of 7. The logic behind this recommendation is that when an orthodontic problem is identified, early treatment may be more comfortable, bringing improved results in a shorter time.

If you want to know more about the types of braces, read on this post

3. How are fixed braces with brackets applied?

Your child will receive a personalized device made according to the measurements, calculations, and simulations made by the orthodontist based on specific radiographs and pictures.

In the case of fixed brackets, more patience and work is needed. Before mounting the fixed device, a complete professional hygiene is done, for cleaning and removing the tartar and the bacterial plaque. The session for fixing the device lasts between 1 and 2 hours and is not painful at all.

• The procedure consists in gluing the brackets on each tooth with a special adhesive that is light-cured. On the brackets is mounted the spring that looks like a wire and connects the brackets together.
• These brackets are activated monthly according to a predetermined treatment plan. By activation we mean tightening the spring and / or applying elastics, thus forcing the alignment of the teeth in a time of about 1.5 - 2 years.
• The experience of the orthodontist is especially important, as applying too much force or in the wrong direction can lead to serious consequences, such as bone resorption, periodontitis, misalignment of a tooth, irreversible nerve damage or even tooth loss.

How will wearing a dental brace change your lifestyle?

Wearing a brace requires patience, perseverance and flexibility on the part of the patient. If you have a healthy lifestyle, then the changes will be minor and easily acceptable.

4. Can I play sports safely while wearing braces?

It is an important question for children, but it also applies to adults who wear braces. After all, activities such as mountain biking and soccer pose potential risks to your teeth, especially with braces. Orthodontists agree that, yes, you can continue to exercise, as long as you take precautions to protect your braces and mouth. During sports activities - team sports, contact sports, cycling, climbing, skateboarding, etc. - we recommend the use of a toothpick (or mouthguard), such as Powrgard 4 Braces  

5. What can and can't eat during dental treatment?

Having a brace does not mean you will live on porridge and mashed foods throughout the treatment. Knowing what foods you can and cannot eat with your braces will help you get optimal results after completing the treatment.

• Trebuie sa eviti alimentele tari, dure si lipicioase dar poti consuma fara griji cele moi, suculente, gatite sau pregatite la aburi si cele taiate in bucati mici.

Our patients reported that they adopted a healthier diet during orthodontic treatment and avoided cramping.

6. How to maintain good dental hygiene if I wear a brace?

Oral hygiene is important at every stage of life. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove any plaque buildup. When you wear braces, sanitation should be even more common. There are both cosmetic and medical reasons to take special care of your teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment. Although it takes a little longer to perform daily hygiene, the extra time and effort is well worth it. When your braces are removed, you will have a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

• You should brush your teeth after every main meal. In essence, you need to make sure you brush your teeth every time you have sugars in your food, so at least three or four times a day. It takes a little longer to brush with brackets because of all the small corners and holes, it takes about 3 minutes for each wash. If it is not possible to brush your teeth after lunch or a snack, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any food particles that may have accumulated around the brackets.

Platinum Tip: Sonic and oscillating toothbrushes are safe for braces, but you need to choose a soft brush!

• Before going to bed, it is advisable to perform a complete hygiene, because for 8-10 hours you will not brush your teeth. After a thorough brushing, use an interdental toothbrush, floss and finally mouthwash. A dental mirror will help you clean the molars and the inner (lingual) surface of the teeth. This procedure will take about 5 minutes.

Platinum Tip Use mouthwash daily, fill it with warm water mixed with mouthwash for thorough cleansing in a shorter time.

• The orthodontist will perform a professional hygiene whenever he deems it necessary, at least twice a year.
• Will the orthodontist know if I'm not brushing properly? –> It is obvious which patients are brushing correctly and which are not. The plaque builds up around the brackets and gum line. The plaque is the one that causes stains on the teeth, which remains visible when the dental appliance is removed. Plaque also causes cavities and leads to gum infections that you should avoid when wearing braces.  

If you do not have well-aligned teeth, if you have problems with the bite, if the position of your jaw bothers you, it is never too late for an orthodontic consultation so that you can change these problems by wearing a brace. There are customized solutions and treatments for each patient, and our orthodontist will do his best to restore your charming smile and self-confidence.