Boca Dental and Braces apply gentle, constant pressure over time to move teeth into their proper positions. They consist of brackets fixed to the teeth and a metal wire connecting them.
The wire exerts pressure on the teeth, and the periodontal ligaments of a tooth can stretch or compress to accommodate this pressure. The result is a straighter, healthier smile.
Braces aim to improve the alignment of a patient’s teeth and bite. This is accomplished by applying gentle pressure to the teeth over time. This pressure is applied by either the brackets affixed to each tooth or the archwire that runs through them. Depending on the patient’s specific needs, many different braces exist. These include traditional stainless steel, ceramic, clear, and invisible braces.
It is important to brush regularly with braces on because food can become trapped in the tiny spaces between the teeth and the brackets. This can lead to plaque, a colorless bacteria film leading to tooth decay and gum disease. It is also necessary to avoid eating sticky or hard foods because these may cause the wires and brackets to become loose or dislodged.
In addition to brushing regularly, patients should use a special floss designed to maneuver between the teeth and around the wires and brackets. A dental water jet can help to loosen food particles between the teeth and gums, and an interdental toothbrush can be used to get into those hard-to-reach areas.
Finally, using mouthwash that can kill bacteria and remove stains is a good idea. Patients should also schedule regular appointments with their dentist while wearing braces so the teeth can be professionally cleaned and any problems can be addressed immediately.
Following proper oral hygiene practices while wearing braces will result in long-lasting and beautiful results. You can smile confidently and enjoy the many benefits of good oral health for a lifetime! To learn more about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy with braces, High Point Dentist is passionate about teaching her patients the best dental hygiene practices. She proudly serves the local community with quality orthodontic care and a relaxing environment. Call today to set up an appointment!
When you first get braces, it can be hard to chew your food. Your teeth will be very sensitive, so it is best to stick with soft foods like machetes and soup. These foods can also be very filling, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet during treatment. Oatmeal is another good choice, especially if you add some banana slices. Other soft and tasty foods include mashed potatoes, soft pasta dishes, and yogurt.
Avoid crunchy foods such as chips, ice, and beef jerky. These foods may break or loosen a bracket, and they can also cause the wire to bend. Sticky candy is also off the table, as it can trap on or between teeth.
Once you’re used to eating with braces, you can reintroduce some harder foods if necessary. However, cutting foods into small pieces and chewing thoroughly before swallowing is always a good idea. This will help you manage any discomfort and protect your braces from damage.
It is also important to avoid chewing on objects, fingernails, or lipstick. These habits can damage your braces and prevent your teeth from properly aligning after treatment is complete.
Another good food-related habit to develop is drinking plenty of water with meals. This will help you swallow your food more easily and may dislodge any food stuck in your braces.
Today, use more gentle and efficient materials than ever before, so they are likely to cause pain when you eat. But even the most state-of-the-art orthodontic equipment is not infallible, so it is important to be patient and listen to your dentist about what you can and cannot eat.
Getting braces is a big commitment, and it can affect your speech. For most people, the changes to their speech are minor, though some may feel that they are mispronouncing words or having trouble articulating certain sounds. This is because the placement of braces alters how the tongue and lips move.
The good news is that most patients adapt to this change within a few days or weeks, and the lisp usually disappears as they become more accustomed to wearing their braces. If your speech is affected significantly, you can talk to your orthodontist about using a mouthpiece that will allow for better articulation.
In addition to helping you pronounce your words better, braces can help correct other speech impediments resulting from your teeth’s positioning or specific bite issues. Suppose you have difficulties articulating particular sounds, such as the /s/ sound or strings of consonants that require special emphasis. In that case, orthodontic treatment can often improve these problems by closing large gaps or correcting malocclusions like an underbite, crossbite, overbite, or crowding.
Orthodontic treatments improve the way you speak, promote better oral hygiene practices, and prevent future dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. The long-term stability provided by orthodontics also alleviates excessive wear on the teeth, which can cause tooth enamel erosion and temporomandibular joint disorders.
For many patients, minor disruption to their speech can be frustrating. Still, they should remember that the temporary inconvenience is a small price to pay for healthier teeth and a radiant smile that will last for years. It is also a great time to practice articulation and pronunciation to improve your abilities before you get your braces removed. It may seem difficult at first, but with patience and dedication, you’ll be able to pronounce words correctly again in no time! If your lisp persists, you can always seek the advice of a speech pathologist or therapist for additional guidance. They can provide expert recommendations that are tailored to your needs. They can teach you techniques to overcome your speech challenges and help you regain a confident, healthy smile.
Many people feel self-conscious about their appearance when they have braces on. They might hide their smile or feel they are different from their friends. But, with the right mindset, care, and effort, they can overcome this feeling and embrace their journey to a healthier, straighter smile.
There are many benefits to getting braces for your smile that go beyond cosmetic. In addition to improving the look of your smile, braces can also help you bite, chew, and speak better. This can improve your overall oral health and boost your confidence.
A big part of orthodontics involves correcting malocclusions when the teeth of one jaw overlap those of another. This problem can affect a person to chew, speak, and even breathe properly. This can cause discomfort and can even lead to more serious dental issues down the road. For this reason, it is important to address malocclusions as soon as possible. Thankfully, today’s screens are less noticeable and more comfortable than ever before. These braces use a consistent, light force to move the teeth and reshape the bone gently.
As a result, patients often experience higher self-confidence when their treatment is complete. This increased confidence can be beneficial in both social and professional situations. Some people even find that they are more attractive once their treatment is complete.
Although it may be tempting to hide your smile with a frown or keep your mouth closed when you have braces, it only worsens the problem. When you smile, you send a message to the world that you are confident and happy with who you are. So, it is important to smile and show off your new and improved smile consciously. This will not only help boost your self-esteem, but it will also encourage others to smile. This will help to build a positive self-image and create a happier and healthier society. Having crooked teeth can be embarrassing, but having a healthy and beautiful smile is something to be proud of!