What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a type of dentistry that specialises in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces and other appliances are used to make changes by moving teeth and bones.
What causes crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth can be caused by a number of factors. We inherit eye colour from our parents, mouth and jaw features are also inherited. Other factors such as finger sucking, high cavity rate, gum disease and trauma can also contribute to crooked teeth.
How do braces straighten crooked teeth?
Braces use steady, gentle pressure over time to move teeth into their proper positions. The bracket is a piece of specially shaped metal or ceramic that we fix to each tooth. The wire threads through the brackets and, as the wire returns to its original shape, it applies pressure to actually move your teeth.
How long do you have to wear braces?
That depends a lot on you and how bad your teeth are to begin with. Treatment time can take anything from as little as 6 months to as long as 2 years. The better you are following your orthodontist’s instructions and taking care of your braces, the sooner your teeth will improve. Everyone is different, so remember never to compare yourself to someone you know who has had braces.
Do braces hurt?
When your brace is first put on, your mouth has to adjust to the braces. This can sometimes cause ulcers but we recommend you use special wax that we provide. Your teeth can sometimes feel achy which is perfectly natural as the braces are slowly moving them into the correct position. This discomfort can last a few days but we advise that you eat as normally as possible.
How do I take care of my braces?
It is really important that you brush your teeth regularly whilst you are wearing braces. It does take longer to clean your teeth with a brace on but if you do not look after your teeth whilst wearing braces , the enamel will be permanently stained, damaged in places and can leave permanent stains when the brace is removed.
We recommend you use a fluoride-based toothpaste during treatment to help strengthen your teeth.
