Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by admin
Braces are a rite of passage for many US teens and adults. There are many signs that you or your child might need braces, but the easiest one to spot is crooked teeth. Before you head to the orthodontist and drop thousands of dollars, you probably need some questions answered.
How do braces work? How long do you need to wear them? Read on for a quick guide that will help guide your decisions about getting braces!
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How Do Braces Work?
The answer to this question depends on which type of braces you opt for. Several factors come into play when selecting the braces you’ll need to correct your smile, including whether you have an overbite.
Traditional braces are what you think of when you see teenagers, simple metal brackets that are glued to each tooth. Archwire goes across each row of teeth, slowly pulling them forward. People who opt for traditional braces need to see their orthodontist on a regular basis to have the wire tightened and continue the straightening process.
Another common type of braces is an aligner tray. These trays are made from impressions of your teeth or a 3D digital scan of your teeth. Trays are then created to gently push your teeth into a straight line.
If you aren’t sure which type is best for you, talk to a skilled orthodontist, like those at Sing Orthodontics, to see which option works best for your needs.
How Do Braces Get Put On?
If you opt for traditional braces, there is a process through which you will have to have the braces put on.
There are three main components, brackets, archwires, and o-ties. Brackets are the metal portion that gets bonded to your teeth and acts as a handle for the other components of the braces to attach. O-ties consist of colored elastics that are placed around the metal brackets through which the archwire is placed, the force of which results in straightening over time.
How Fast Do Braces Work?
There’s no one correct answer to this question. The amount of time you or your child will spend in braces depends largely upon the extent of the issues with your teeth.
People who have minor cosmetic issues with their teeth may only have to wear braces for six months. Those with more advanced issues may need to wear braces for up to three years. It’s important to discuss these considerations before you agree to this treatment.
Are You Thinking of Getting Braces?
Braces are not an inexpensive investment in your oral health, but they are a worthwhile one. Even though it can take some time for braces to work their magic, they have a number of benefits that’ll make you glad you went through the process. If you haven’t already, it’s time to call your orthodontist and get started on your journey to beautiful teeth!
Do you have more questions about keeping yourself and your family in peak health? You’ve come to the right place! Check out the rest of our blog for tons of great articles about all of that and much more!
