Dental braces and retainers are a commonly used tool, fitted to straighten your smile and leave you with a pristinely perfect set of healthy teeth, as long as you’re committed to the aftercare process. Many people choose to opt for braces and retainers in order to correct their alignment. This can be for simple aesthetic reasons, mouth composition purposes or due to an ongoing issue with health, pain or discomfort due to existing teeth formations. Whether you’ve begun your process for teeth straightening or you’re just starting to look at the available options before you book a trip to your dentist, you’re going to want to be armed with as much information as possible. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about dental braces and retainers…
What are Braces?
Traditional braces are brackets that are made out of dental grade metal. These brackets are secured to each individual tooth and are then attached to one another by arched or flexible bands. Smaller rubber bands might also be introduced later on in the alignment process. As your braces bands are tightened, the pull pressure encourages your teeth to straighten into a more desirable formation. You might also come across ceramic or lingual braces, however, metal is undoubtedly the most traditional option out there.
What are Retainers?
Retainers are a removable alternative to traditional braces. Clear aligners, also referred to as invisible braces, encourage your teeth to move into the calculated formation when worn. This is done through the use of clear plastic trays, which take the form of your optimal smile shape as determined and designed by your dental professional. These plastic trays can be fit to your top or bottom teeth, many people opt for a full set for the best result. They use pressure to gently alter the formation of your smile, creating a straightener set of teeth over time. Retainers can be removed when eating or drinking, making them a highly convenient option for most peoples’ lifestyles.
What are the Options for Teeth Straightening?
Your dentist will work with you to ensure that you are receiving the right straightening option for your smile. This process really is a case by case concern, meaning that you will have to discuss your braces and retainer options with your provider. Custom treatment plans will alter from person to person, depending on the severity of treatment needed, condition of your teeth and alternate factors such as cost, age and convenience. Chat to your dentist at your next check up and clean to get started on the process.
How to Care for my Braces or Retainer?
Both braces and retainers require diligent dental care to ensure that your teeth, gums and jaw are staying as healthy as possible during the alignment process. Attentive brushing, flossing, mouth cleaning and sterilised washes will all be necessary to maintain oral health.
What Does the Process Look Like?
You will begin with a clean and review of what your teeth are looking like as they are. This is also where you will hatch up a plan that is going to fit with your means and lifestyle. Your dentist will also advise you as to the best protocol for care both during and after your retainer or braces have been fit.
Are you ready to straighten your smile? Book in for a consultation with your dental provider to get started on the process today. Always remember that good levels of oral health are essential when you’re undergoing quality straightening services, so stay on top of your daily care and check ups and clean visits.
Margherita Ceresa an enthusiastic editor and writer at ExtraLargeAsLife.com. She has worked with many publications as a senior editor. Known for her incredible passion for everything new, she is a champion of celebrity news & lifestyle writing.