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Orthodontic Treatment
The benefits of orthodontic treatment
go way beyond looks.
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Crooked or crowded teeth may cause uneven wear of tooth surfaces
or jaws problems that may lead to complication later in life.
They can also be difficult to clean properly, which makes them
prone to tooth decay and gum disease.
Whilst you are wearing braces, the success of your treatment
is affected by how well you care for your teeth and gums. Good
oral care at home involves effectively removing plaque from
your teeth, gums and braces every day. Not only will it keep
your treatment time on course, but it will also contribute to
the continued health of your teeth and gums.
Who needs orthodontic treatment?
Not everyone’s teeth are perfectly straight. In fact, many
people have crooked or overcrowded teeth. If your dentist thinks
your teeth needs straightening, they may refer you to an orthodontist
- a dentist who specializes in this type of treatment.
During treatment, a fixed braces or a removable appliance may
be worn to gradually move teeth to their correct position in
the mouth.
At what age can orthodontic treatment start?
While it is most common during childhood and adolescence (from
around age eight and up), an increasing number of adults are
also opting for orthodontic treatment.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment may take from 18 to 30 months to complete. For adults,
treatment may take a little longer because the facial bones
have stopped growing. But whatever your age, keeping your teeth
and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment will help keep
treatment time on track.
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| How do you keep your teeth and gums healthy?
The key to healthy teeth and gums is proper plaque removal every
day. Plaque is one of the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease.
Follow these simple guidelines and you will be off to a great
start:
• Brush your teeth and braces at least three times a day (especially
after eating).
• Use fluoride toothpaste; fluoride is proven to help prevent
cavities.
• Use a fluoride mouth rinse at least once daily to help reduce
the risk of cavities
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• Try to carry your toothbrush and floss with you at all times
so that you can clean your teeth even when you are not at home.
How do you clean all areas of your mouth whilst wearing
braces?
At first, removing plaque from your teeth and along the gum line
may seem difficult with braces. However, following these tips
can make it easier:
• First, take off any elastic bands and removable parts (like
headgear).
• A recommended brushing method is to place your brush at a 45°
angle
to the gum. Apply gentle pressure as you brush with a short back-and-forth
motion, cleaning each tooth individually for about 10 seconds.
• Use the same motion on all inner and outer tooth surfaces.
• Don’t forget to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth,
and make sure you reach the teeth at the back too.
• Finish by cleaning around your braces, brushing first from the
top
and then from the bottom. Brush gently and take care not to break
or bend any of the bracket or wires. |
| How do you clean a removable appliance?
After you take the appliance out of your mouth, brush and clean
between your teeth in the normal way. Then, using your toothbrush
and toothpaste, clean your appliance, rinsing thoroughly with
water afterwards.
How do you floss with fixed braces?
Flossing removes the plaque between your teeth and under your
gum line – areas beyond the reach of your toothbrush. If you don’t
floss, you leave up to 40% of your tooth surfaces untouched and
unclean.
• Choose a ”threading floss” with a stiffened end
that threads it through the gap between each tooth.
• Curve the floss around each tooth in a “c” shape and gently
move
it up and down the side of each tooth, including under the gum
line.
Unroll a new section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.
Do you still need to see your regular dentist?
Yes, your dentist and orthodontist will work together with you
to help you do the best job possible in caring for your teeth
and gums. |
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Wearing the braces requires patience and discipline. However,
the result of treatment can be more then just healthy smile. Often
your orthodontist is preventing bigger problems in the long –term
health of your teeth and gums.
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*Information
courtesy of the British Dental Association |
