When Should You Consider Braces?

SEPTEMBER 2011



Braces can improve your appearance and your health. Surveys have shown that people who have had braces look better and feel better about themselves. They live longer and have a statistically lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Today, braces are not only for kids. About 20% of the orthodontic patients are now over 18 with people as old as 60 having successful orthodontic treatment. Braces are usually used to correct a bad bite. This may involve teeth that are crowded or crooked.

I am often asked why some people need braces and others do not. Actually, protruding, crowded or irregularly spaced teeth and jaw problems may be inherited, but thumb sucking, losing teeth prematurely and accidents also can lead to these conditions. Correcting the problem can create a nice-looking smile, but, more importantly, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. Crooked and crowded teeth make cleaning the mouth difficult, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and possibly tooth loss. An improper bite can interfere with chewing and speaking, can cause abnormal wear to tooth enamel, and can lead to problems with the jaw.

Braces can be composed of bands, brackets, and wires. Brackets are the small squares that are bonded directly to each tooth with a special dental bonding agent. They act like handles, holding the "arch wires" that move the teeth. Arch wires can be made of metal, or be clear or tooth-colored.

As an alternative to the traditional wire braces, I recommend Invisalign to my patients. It is a clear, custom-fitted retainer that effectively treats a wide variety of cases including crowding, cross bite, spacing, and overbite. While Invisalign straightens teeth, it also allows the patient to eat whatever they want, remove the aligns, floss and brush their teeth easily, and experience a less irritating remedy overall. Either traditional braces of wire or the custom-fitted retainer will cost about the same over a period of years to correct tooth placement and bite repair.

If you are concerned about the spacing of your teeth or the pain in your jaw, you should certainly seek out some dental advice. A dental consultation should give you a clear understanding of the issues surrounding your situation and options of care for your smile.

*Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

Article includes information from The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) and Dr. R.Parsanka of Sonoran Desert Dentistry in Scottsdale, Arizona.