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Orthodontics |
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What
kind of braces will I have to wear? |
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Your dentist
will know what appliance is
best for your particular problem,
but the patient often has
a choice. Braces generally
come in three varieties: The
most popular type are brackets,
metal or plastic, that are
bonded to teeth and are far
less noticeable. The “lingual”
type of braces are brackets
that attach to the back of
teeth, hidden from view. Bands
are the traditional type that
cover most of your teeth with
metal bands that wrap around
the teeth. All use wires to
move the teeth to the desired
position.
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How
long will I have to wear braces? |
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That
depends upon your treatment
plan. The more complicated
your spacing or bite problem
is, and the older you are,
the longer the period of
treatment, usually. Most
patients can count on wearing
full braces between 18 and
30 months, followed by the
wearing of a retainer for
at least a few months to
up to two years to set and
align tissues surrounding
straightened teeth. Some
patients may have to wear
a permanent retainer.
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Will
treatment be uncomfortable? |
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interconnecting wires are
tightened at each visit, bearing
mild pressure on the brackets
or bands to shift teeth or
jaws, gradually into a desired
position. Your teeth and jaws
may slightly sore after each
visit, but the discomfort
is brief. Keep in mind also
that some teeth may need to
be extracted to make room
for teeth being shifted with
braces and for proper jaw
alignment.
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Do
I have to avoid any foods or personal habits? |
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Yes.
While you’re wearing braces,
you can eat almost all of
your favorite foods. Just
be careful with these four
troublemakers: sticky food,
hard food, crunchy food, and
sweets.
*Avoid sticky foods like gum,
taffy, and caramels. Try smooth
peanut butter, soup, or yogurt
instead.
*Cut hard foods like apples
and carrots into bitesized
pieces so you don’t break
your appliances.
*Avoid crunchy foods like
corn chips, popcorn, or nuts.
Try softer fruits or hot cereals
instead.
*If you eat sweets, be sure
to brush right away. Eating
fewer sweets helps fight cavities.
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What
about home care of my teeth with braces? |
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braces, oral hygiene is more
important than ever. Braces
have tiny spaces were food
particles and plaque get trapped.
Brush carefully after every
meal with fluoride toothpaste
and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Rinse thoroughly and check
your teeth in the mirror to
make sure they’re clean. Take
time to floss between braces
and under wires with the help
of a floss threader. Have
your teeth cleaned every six
months to keep your gums and
teeth healthy. Insufficient
cleaning while wearing braces
can cause enamel staining
around brackets or bands.
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