Braces & Aligners Service Page Content

Why Should You Get Braces?

Braces are often used to straighten the alignment of teeth.

Braces are usually recommended during childhood or adolescence, however in today’s society, adults are increasingly using braces; in fact, adults account for 20% of all individuals wearing braces.

If you suspect you or a family member could benefit from braces, it’s best to find out as soon as possible. We will go over the indicators of why a person might require braces, as well as information to assist you in determining what to do next.

When Should You Get Adult Braces?

The signs that an adult requires braces vary depending on age and overall oral health.

Adult braces are becoming more popular, and the outcomes are generally positive.

The following symptoms may suggest that you require braces:

1. teeth that are visually crooked or crowded
2. difficulty in flossing and brushing around crooked/misaligned teeth
   frequently cutting your tongue
3. difficulties pronouncing some sounds due to your tongue’s position behind your crooked teeth
4. jaws make a clicking sound when chewing
5. discomfort or tiredness on your jawline after chewing food

How do you decide if your child needs braces?

It might be tough to know if your child requires braces. If a toddler/teenager has crooked or crowded baby teeth, it may indicate that they may require braces.

Other things to consider:

• your child experience breathing problems or breathes through the mouth
• jaws that make clicking sounds
• being prone to accidentally biting the tongue, roof of the mouth, or inside of the cheek more often
• thumb-sucking after an abnormal age
• If the child is experiencing early or late loss of baby teeth
• Children with improper teeth setting that do not come together even when the mouth is closed
• Uneven or crooked teeth

Poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition during the newborn and toddler stage, and heredity are some major reasons for an individual to need braces.

The ideal age for getting braces can vary due to many factors but orthodontists recommend getting braces when a child starts to get his permanent teeth, usually between the ages of 9 and 14.

Types of Braces

• Metal braces
• Ceramic braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Lingual braces
• Clear aligners like Invisalign

Metal braces

The most popular type of braces worldwide are metal or conventional braces, which have been in use for more than a century. Braces used to be highly conspicuous and big. Fortunately, braces today are very different from those from 100 years ago. Modern tech paired with continuous advancements have made braces:

• Small in size
• More efficient
• Comfortable
• And less bulky

Children and teenagers are the primary group of patients opting for metal braces. They function by affixing the braces to the teeth and tying a wire between them. An elastic tie is used to secure the wire to the braces.

An orthodontist adjusts the wire to reposition the teeth at intervals of 4-8 weeks.

DSS Pro Tip: Some parents and patients prefer metal braces since they do not need to remind their child to wear them, in contrast to removable transparent aligners like Invisalign. However, during treatment, proper dental hygiene is essential and metal braces need to be handled with care.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are transparent and function in a similar manner to metal braces but are more discreet and less noticeable. Patients who don’t think Invisalign or lingual braces are suited for them but still want to straighten their teeth in a discrete and economical fashion are most likely to choose ceramic braces. These patients are mostly young people and grownups who are aesthetic-driven.

Ceramic braces are a more discrete and cost-effective option as compared to metal braces. You should be aware, nevertheless, that because of their size and potential for staining, these braces are also significantly bigger than metal braces. They are not for everyone, but we think they are still an important tool in the toolkit for orthodontics.

Self-ligating braces

Self-ligating braces function in similarity to ceramic or metal braces and they are made of clear/ceramic material or metal. The same kind of braces and wire are used to align the teeth but the only difference between self-ligating and metal or ceramic braces is that they do not require elastic rubber ties to hold the wire in place, instead orthodontists use doors or clips.

Due to how simple they are to adjust, we recommend that self-ligating braces result in somewhat shorter visit times. They are an excellent option for:

• those patients who are more susceptible to pain
• Patients who find it difficult to remain still for long in the dental chair

Lingual Braces

The most sophisticated and uncommon orthodontic treatment available is lingual braces, which are placed behind the teeth. This is due to the fact that they call for a unique set of orthodontic abilities that few orthodontists invest the time to develop.

We think that all eligible patients should be given the choice of lingual braces behind the teeth since they provide benefits that no other form of braces can match. These include total hiding capacity, comprehensive personalization to your unique teeth, as well as improved functionality and adaptability in some people.

Adults who do not seek noticeable braces are well-suited for Lingual braces. Teenagers who are aesthetically concerned about their looks can also opt for Lingual Braces

Invisalign And Clear Aligners

Over the past ten years, clear aligners have become increasingly popular. Invisalign, which over time grew to be the most well-known brand of aligners, gained popularity in the early 2000s. They are indeed what “pampers” to diapers are.

It is obvious why Invisalign and transparent aligners are so popular today:

1. Transparent and clear
2. Easily removable
3. Easy to handle
4. The treatment procedure is faster than braces
5. Requires fewer appointments thus time and money saving

Patients who had braces when they were younger and simply need a “touch up” or who have mild to moderate dental issues including misaligned teeth, a wide overbite, no difficulties with their jaw alignment, or who have gaps in their front teeth might consider Invisalign.

But compared to braces, any transparent aligner system, including Invisalign, has substantial drawbacks when it comes to treating complex issues or requiring long-term care.

How long are braces worn?
Braces are typically worn for between one and three years on average. However, depending on your situation, you could require them for a shorter or longer period of time.