Why Braces? and Common Questions
Orthodontic treatment is more than just giving you a beautiful smile. Oral health is a window
into your overall health, and orthodontic problems like misaligned teeth, difficulty chewing, or
shifting jaws should be taken seriously. If orthodontic problems are left untreated, you may
experience tooth decay, gum disease, and abnormal enamel wear. Orthodontic Treatment can
help in ensuring proper teeth and jaw function, creates a healthy smile and facial structure,
maintaining a proper bite for chewing and speaking. Preventing tooth loss/decay by making
teeth easier to clean.
Why Braces Take so Long to Work.
You may think the process of braces is a simple one: add some brackets, put in a wire, then wait.
The truth is that braces are a complicated process that involves mapping detailed movements of
each tooth. Moving a tooth too fast or at the wrong time may cause irreversible damage to your
oral health.
How long you have to wear your braces will depend on the type, the quantity and the severity
of the dental issues are. On average orthodontic treatment takes 12-24 months. Sometimes we
need to prepare your mouth for braces by installing appliances that make space for tooth
movement. We may need to put spacers between your back teeth, so we have room to slip
bands around them for braces. Or you might need a wider upper jaw for to make room for all
your teeth, so I palate expander may be needed.
How Braces Work.
Your braces gently apply pressure that causes the jawbone to breakdown, allowing the tooth to
move. As it moves the bone builds up again behind it, if it didn’t work like this your teeth would
probably fall out! That’s why we move your teeth slowly and carefully – so your jawbone has
time to breakdown and rebuild itself. The bone keeps hold of your teeth, allowing them to move
slowly but still keeping a tight grip.
Oral Hygiene with Braces.
Proper oral hygiene is even more important when you wear braces. Plaque and tartar can build
up around your brackets and wires, leading to cavities and gingivitis. You will get a booklet on
how to care for them properly once you get them on, but here’s a few guidelines;
Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss between your teeth and around your braces once a day. Swish with an alcohol-free,
antibacterial mouthwash twice a day. Visit your orthodontist regularly for tightening and
maintenance. Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and routine dental care.
