Dental braces are wire-based orthodontic equipment used by orthodontists to treat crowded and misaligned teeth or jaws. Many people who require dental braces do so during their adolescence, however, braces can also help adults. Dental braces are used to correctly align your teeth and jaws, resulting in an equal bite and an attractive smile.
What are braces and what are they used for?
Dental braces are a method of straightening or repositioning your teeth to improve their appearance and function. Braces can also help you maintain the long-term health of your teeth and gums, as well as make eating more pleasant by distributing biting pressure evenly over all of your teeth. Braces operate by applying pressure to the teeth in order to gradually shift them in the desired direction. The bone in the jaw alters as the pressure takes effect, allowing the teeth and their roots to shift.
Types of Braces
Your orthodontist will prescribe braces based on numerous criteria, including your age and if you have an overbite in addition to crooked teeth. Braces are manufactured to order and are tailored to each individual’s needs. For most people, traditional braces are constructed of metal brackets that are bonded separately to each of your teeth. An archwire applies pressure to your teeth and jawline, and elastic O-rings link it to the brackets. The archwire is adjusted on a regular basis as your teeth gradually move into the proper position, and the elastic bands are changed out during orthodontist sessions. Other types of braces are as follows:
- Ceramic transparent braces are less apparent.
- Lingual braces are braces that are put entirely beneath your teeth.
- Invisible braces, also known as aligner trays, that may be removed and reapplied during the day.
Why Do Children Need Braces?
Braces may be required for children for a variety of reasons, including crooked, overlapping, or overcrowded teeth, or a bad bite. Malocclusion occurs when the top and bottom jaws are not the same sizes. An overbite occurs when the upper jaw is larger than the lower jaw. An underbite occurs when the lower jaw is larger than the upper jaw. Tooth and jaw issues can be caused by premature tooth loss, accidents, or behaviors such as thumb-sucking.
Adults and braces
Adults with braces may need to wear them for longer than children, but they can still provide similar benefits, such as straightening crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw. However, because your facial bones are no longer developing, there may be some issues that cannot be addressed with braces alone.
Why do you need to wear braces?
Dental braces are used to treat the following conditions:
- Teeth that are crowded or crooked.
- There is too much space between your teeth.
- Upper front teeth that are excessively close to the lower teeth, either vertically (overbite) or horizontally (overjet).
- Upper front teeth that bite behind lower front teeth (underbite).
- Other jaw misalignment issues can result in an uneven bite.
We hope that this information has helped you realize that braces are typically extremely effective in realigning crooked teeth and correcting poorly positioned jaws in order to create a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth. If you are looking for the best dentist in Pharr, TX, then book your appointment today at Arcade Dental.
