Do you often hide your smile with your hands due to gaps in your teeth? Or do you have crooked or misaligned teeth? If your teeth are a cause of worry for you, remember there are many solutions. Braces have been common among teens, but now surprisingly, it is among adults too. More adults have braces for many reasons, including improved appearance. Not just this, there are many reasons for getting braces.
- Aesthetic reasons – The most typical reason is to improve the appearance of a smile. However, straightening the teeth can reduce cavities, tooth decay, or gum diseases.
- Teeth are overlapping, crooked, or crowded – When there is not enough space for new teeth, it can cause overcrowding or overlapping. It can become sideways or with teeth that protrude further than the others.
- Too much space between your teeth – If you have gaps called diastema, it can affect your jaw functions and biting accuracy. So, you are more likely to experience pain while chewing, which can make you avoid food. Even if you are hungry, you try to prevent it.
- Overbite or underbite – If your jaws extend too far or not enough, you can have difficulty chewing your food, leading to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). It can be painful, and you may experience some difficulty in speech.
- Mouth comfort – Misaligned teeth not only look bad but can create discomfort. You may not realize it until you have braces or got your teeth fixed.
There are several braces like metal, ceramic, self-ligating, lingual, and clear aligners like Invisalign. Metal braces are the most common or traditional braces that have been around for a long time. The fact that they have become smaller, more comfortable, and practical with technology advancements is something to appreciate. Braces require reasonable care and attention and good oral hygiene. There are ceramic braces that work like metal but are transparent. People who do not want to spend a hefty amount on braces may go for it. However, they are slightly larger than metal but can stain depending on diet and may not suit everyone. Then there are self-ligating braces like ceramics or metal with the difference that they hold wires with doors or clips rather than elastic rubber ties. Lingual braces are different from others, and usually placed behind the teeth, and require different orthodontic skills. They are suitable for people who do not want their braces to be visible in the front. They are the most specialized and least common in the market.
Clear Aligners – Invisalign
Nowadays, clear aligners like Invisalign are popular, nearly invisible with no metal, and can be customized to fit your teeth. Invisalign also moves teeth but uses a series of clear custom aligning trays that must change weekly. They can correct crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and jaw positions. Easily removable for food or while playing any sports. Remember to follow the dentist’s instructions to maintain and clean your braces. Always maintain good oral hygiene while consuming any food or drinks. They are the most comfortable and convenient option when compared to other braces.
If you have a misaligned tooth or any of the mentioned conditions, learn how we can help your case. Schedule an appointment with Foothill Dental Care at (925) 961-5484 today.