You may be wondering do I need a brace? In recent times, the need for cosmetic perfection means more and more people are considering dental braces to achieve perfectly straight teeth. But did you know straight teeth mean so much more than a beautiful smile?
Crooked or misaligned teeth can impact your health in many ways. From gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay and they can even have an impact on your mental health.
At Manor House Dental we offer a range of cosmetic braces options to help you achieve a straighter smile!
What Are Cosmetic Braces?
Cosmetic Braces are a gentle, minimally invasive treatment for adults that uses sound orthodontic principles to straighten the upper and lower front six teeth – the ‘Social Six’ that make up your visible smile.
So, if you’re considering cosmetic braces have a read of some of the most frequently asked questions we encounter.
Do I Need Braces If I Have Crowded Teeth?
Crowded teeth are one of the main reasons people decide to have dental braces.
Overcrowding is when there is not enough space on your jaw for all your teeth. This means the teeth in your mouth will be crowded together. Unfortunately crowding usually tends to get worse with age.
Crowded teeth are harder to clean as simple processes like brushing and flossing can be difficult, which can cause an accumulation of plaque on the teeth. A build-up of plaque on the teeth can cause bad breath, and gum disease and ultimately lead to bone loss around the teeth. Cosmetic braces are a great treatment option for overcrowding.
Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss as there is more room for the toothbrush bristles to get to the tooth’s surface.
Do I Need Braces If I Have Spaces or Gaps in Between My Teeth?
While some people suffer from teeth being too close together, some people have large gaps between their teeth.
Gaps can occur because of:
- teeth which are smaller than average
- high frenum attachment (the band of skin between teeth attaching lip to the jaw) can cause spacing to develop
- mismatch of the jaw and size of teeth
- tooth loss
- bad habits such as thumb sucking
- Ageing factors such as gum recession and bone loss
Having properly aligned teeth is critical to a healthy mouth and the overall health of your body. Large gaps between teeth can cause bacterial growth and plaque build-up, leading to tooth decay or periodontal disease. Gaps can also cause trouble biting, chewing, or swallowing, and cause pain in your teeth or jaw. For these reasons, it’s best to close the gaps between your teeth.
Cosmetic Braces are an excellent treatment for gaps or spaces in between your teeth. There is a range of options available, speak to your dentist to see which options are best for you.
How Long Will I Need a Brace For?
Braces treatment isn’t a precise science. Each case is different. What may be true for your friend or sibling may not be true for you. The amount of time will usually depend on the severity of the misalignment that is being corrected, the type of brace you chose, and how well you follow the treatment plan. The condition of your oral health can also be a determining factor. For those with poor oral health, you may need some hygiene treatments before you can get braces.
In general, cosmetic braces can take between six months to more than 24 months to complete.
Types of Cosmetic Braces
Here at Central Orthodontics, we offer a range of cosmetic braces.
There are a number of different cosmetic braces available now. Systems such as Six Month Smiles are designed to focus on the front teeth and have very speedy results. These braces use clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires so they are less noticeable than traditional braces. Clear aligners such as Invisalign are extremely discreet and can work on a wide range of orthodontic problems. They are also removable so do not interfere with eating, and can be removed for photographs if necessary.
To find out if you need cosmetic braces, book a consultation at Manor House Dental today!