Do you want a happy, healthy mouth and confident smile? Braces can provide both and help you achieve the straight teeth you have always dreamed of. Your NE Calgary orthodontist clinic will discuss a variety of treatment options available from traditional braces to clear aligners. Bold choices like adding colourful elastic bands can make getting braces a little less humdrum. Watch your beautiful smile take shape and correct dental issues at the same time!
What Braces Help With
You may think of restorative dentistry as helping solely straighten your teeth, but it can fix an array of dental problems such as:
- Overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite
- Too little or too much space between your teeth
- Misaligned teeth
5 Types of Braces
There are five types of braces. So, how do you know which is best for your situation?
- Traditional or Metal Braces – Metal brackets and wires are placed on your teeth and require the use of elastic bands to hold the arch wire in place. These types of braces are the most common as they fix an array of dental issues for all severity types. Your teeth move gradually over time and with a series of adjustments.
- Self-ligating Braces – Though similar to metal braces, self-ligating braces have clips instead of elastic bands to hold the wires in place. There are metal, ceramic, and clear brackets for these types of braces. Several dental concerns can be fixed using these braces but if you have severe jaw problems, traditional braces are likely to be recommended. Self-ligating braces are usually easier to clean because there are no elastic ties where food can get trapped.
- Ceramic Braces – For treatments that require a lengthy procedure time, metal braces might still be your dentist’s recommendation. However, ceramic braces are more aesthetically pleasing to the eye and come in as many colour options as you can think of. Generally, these types of braces are used for less severe alignment issues. They provide more comfort than traditional metal braces.
- Lingual Braces – These types of braces go on the inside of your teeth and are usually used to treat mild dental problems. They are great for patients who don’t want their braces to show but this option takes longer to get the desired results.
- Clear Aligners or Invisible Braces – Clear aligners are like magic because they can fix your teeth while staying virtually invisible. Another benefit is they can be removed. To get the desired results, aligners should stay in your mouth unless you are eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. These types of aligners are worn for two weeks then you get new ones to maintain the gradual changes to your dental arch. Clear aligners are recommended for minor teeth straightening issues only.
During your consultation, your NE Calgary orthodontist will assess your dental problem and inform you of options that will work for you. Any questions can be answered during your appointment to provide clarity and relieve any anxiety you may have about the process.
Eating with Braces
Braces need to be cared for. Help protect your teeth and gums by eating foods that will be gentle on your mouth and your orthodontic appliance. At first, getting used to braces will be an adjustment. Your mouth may feel a bit tender due to the changes in your bite. Your dentist may suggest you eat soft foods for the first few weeks until you become used to your new braces.
Gradually you can get back to your regular diet, just make sure to steer clear of extremely crunchy items like chewing on ice, sticky foods, popcorn, and gummy candies. These foods can break your braces or get stuck to the point that you need a dentist to remove the food particles.
Some Safe Foods and Drinks You Can Enjoy While Wearing Braces:
- Orange juice
- Lemonade
- Sushi
- Noodle soup
- Pasta
- Pudding
- Pancakes
- Sweet potato pie
- Cheesecake
How to Maintain Results After Braces
Ah, the day your braces come off you will be smiling from ear to ear with amazing straight and properly aligned teeth! The braces have done their job, but your teeth are not yet used to their new positioning. The bones, gums, and muscles need to adapt to the changes. Here are the ways you can maintain the results.
- Wearing a Retainer – A retainer is the most effective way to retain your orthodontic results. A retainer is a dental device that fits over your newly aligned teeth to hold them in position. Your retainer needs to be worn constantly for a minimum of six months. After this, you can wear it just at night.
- Regular Dental Appointments – Keeping up on a good oral health routine involves going to the dentist for consistent check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist will notice if anything is off with your orthodontic results and be able to fix it before it becomes a bigger problem. At your appointment, your teeth will be examined to ensure they are not shifting, and your retainer is working properly. Adjustments can be made if need be.
Regular cleanings clear your teeth of plaque and tartar buildup to help avoid additional complications. It can be difficult to fully clean and floss your teeth while wearing braces. A dental hygienist can get rid of the food particles that may have gotten stuck under your braces and in hard-to-reach areas.
Your Braces Journey
Braces! Braces! Braces! What a wonderful thing they can be. At Savanna Market Dental, we are here to support you on your journey to straight and healthy teeth. Questions? We have answers! Your NE Calgary orthodontist treatment is just a call away.
