What is orthodontic treatment – and other questions about braces

As people are increasingly becoming conscious of their appearance and looks in today’s world, the demand for orthodontic treatment to fix crooked teeth has never been higher. Previously, it was thought that orthodontic treatment is only suitable for teens and young adults. However, this perception has also been changed. An increasing number of elderly patients are now considering getting their teeth straightened with orthodontic treatment. According to the British Orthodontic Society, private dentists have seen a 75% increase in the demand for adult orthodontics over the previous years. So, if you are thinking about getting your teeth straightened with orthodontics, this article is for you. Read on to find answers to all your questions about orthodontic treatment.

What is orthodontic treatment? 

According to the British Orthodontic Society, orthodontic treatment involves a procedure in which your dentist or orthodontic specialist will move your teeth to straighten them to fix bad bites and give you a healthy and beautiful smile. There are different types of orthodontic treatment options available such as the fixed braces and the Invisalign aligners. Your orthodontic will recommend a suitable choice for you that suits your dental needs after a thorough clinical examination. 

What causes crooked teeth? 

The crookedness of the teeth, also known as misalignment, can occur due to various reasons:

• Genetics – In many cases, teeth appear crooked due to the genetics involving the shape and size of the teeth and jaw bones.
• Parafunctional dental habits.
• Thumb sucking
• Tongue thrust
• Nail-biting.

All these habits put excessive pressure on the teeth, leading to unwanted movement, leading to misalignment.  

Can braces affect your facial structure? 

The primary function of tooth braces is to move or realign your teeth so that they are perfectly aligned. For this purposes, dental brackets are attached to the front surfaces of teeth and are connected using metal orthodontic wires. The tension in the orthodontic wire will move the teeth into optimal alignment. Therefore, dental braces mainly affect your teeth and not the facial structure directly. However, you may observe changes in your facial structure and shape following orthodontic treatment because of tooth realignment. 

How long will it take for braces to straighten my teeth? 

The time required for braces to realign your teeth depends on various factors. The most important factor is the severity of tooth misalignment. While minor orthodontic problems – such as excessive spaces between teeth – can be fixed with braces within 6-8 months, more complicated problems may take up to 18-24 months for completion. Similarly, the treatment duration also depends on the type of orthodontic treatment you are undergoing. Depending on the treatment type, such as traditional metal, ceramic, or lingual braces, the treatment duration varies. However, according to the National Health Service (NHS), orthodontic treatment duration may vary between 18 and 24 months. 

Can retainers straighten teeth without braces? 

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, retainers are fixed appliances worn for consolidating orthodontic treatment. Retainers function by preventing your teeth from moving back to their previous position. Hence, orthodontic retainers are passive appliances, implying that they do not exert any forces on your teeth. Instead, they just sit over your teeth and prevent unwanted movement.

Is it safe to get braces while having cavities? 

Orthodontic treatment requires the attachment of dental brackets on the teeth. Both the brackets and orthodontic wires hinder optimal cleaning of teeth, which can lead to various dental complications like teeth cavities and periodontal problems. Therefore, orthodontists or dentists only begin orthodontic treatment when there are no underlying problems like teeth cavities. If orthodontic treatment is initiated when a tooth has cavities, braces will make cleaning around it more difficult. As a result, the cavity may grow larger leading to tooth fracture or even tooth loss. Therefore, it is always good to begin orthodontic treatment when the underlying problems have been treated first. 

Is it true that braces weaken teeth? 

Braces will not weaken your teeth, provided you take good care of your oral health. The problem starts when you ignore oral hygiene maintenance. When teeth are not brushed regularly, a thin layer of food debris called dental plaque forms. Since braces and orthodontic wires make it difficult to clean the teeth optimally, the plaque gradually hardens to form dental calculus. Both plaque and dental calculus harbour harmful bacteria that release toxins, destroying the gums and causing teeth cavities. So, teeth only become weak during orthodontic treatment if oral hygiene is not maintained properly. 

What are the signs of tooth decay with braces? 

The first sign of tooth decay with braces is tiny “white spot” lesions around the teeth. These white spots represent areas where the tooth has become devoid of mineralised tissue and has become weakened. Fortunately, white spot lesions can be reversed with regular brushing using fluoride toothpaste or professional application of fluoride varnishes. However, if the condition is not treated timely, the white spot lesions may progress into full-blown teeth cavities that require restoration with a filling material. 

How to fix tooth decay from braces?

Tooth decay around the dental bracket in its initial stages can be easily managed by using fluoride toothpaste or mouth wash. However, if the cavities progress into an advanced stage, there is structural damage to the teeth. In these cases, your dentist will remove the damaged tooth structure and replace it with suitable filling material like resin composite, also called tooth-coloured fillings. 

Are you looking for an experienced orthodontic specialist in Leatherhead? Look no more! At Horsley Dental, we offer a wide range of orthodontic services based on your dental needs. Whether you need fixed braces or Invisalign aligners, we provide all dental services under one roof and in a comfortable and relaxing environment. So, book your free consultation appointment today to know more orthodontic treatment options at Horsley Dental, and begin your journey towards a healthy, lasting and beautiful smile.