Dental Braces
Dental braces are a part of orthodontic treatment prescribed by a dentist or orthodontist to correct teeth that are crooked, crowded, have spaces or even in a situation where the upper and lower jaw do not bite properly. These conditions may arise out of early or late tooth loss, habits such as thumbsucking, lip-thrusting and mouth-breathing, injury or even genetically inherited.
Left alone, these conditions can lead to further problems such as tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, affected biting/chewing, jaw pain and associated problems and tooth loss.
Fixed metal braces can be prescribed to treat this condition by straightening the teeth, resulting in a better and healthier smile. This treatment involves the dentist or orthodontist placing small brackets on your teeth and linking them up with a wire which will be tightened every visit to shift your teeth position. There might be slight discomfort during the initial placement of the braces but most patients adapt to it in 1-2 weeks.
Treatment time depends on the complexity of the case, and in most cases, they last between 2-3 years. Following the completion of the treatment, there is a requirement to wear removable retainers to hold the teeth in the new straightened position. In some complex cases where extensive treatment is needed, there might be a need for a referral to a Specialist Oral Surgeon for jaw surgery to be done to correct any jaw deformity issues together with braces treatment.