Typically, this is something that an Ottawa dentist suggests fro different reasons. A dentist recommends braces because of the structure of person’s tooth alignment and the overall effects if left untouched. The predominant conditions of concern are crowded or crooked teeth, incorrect jaw alignment, and over or underbites. Any of these conditions can lead to other manifestations such as gum disease, headache, tooth decay, earaches, and chewing or speaking issues.

Knowing when

Normally, the age range of braces is ten to fourteen years old. However, with advances in technology a person at any age in Ottawa is able to benefit from this medical program. The reason that the desired ages are younger is because the body, specifically the head, and the teeth, are still in a growth stage. This makes the adjustment to the tooth and jaw alignment that much easier.

The Kind of Braces Available Vary

The determination of the style or kind of braces depends on the application involved. Nevertheless, as a patient there is always a choice in the matter between metal, plastic, or ceramic. The plastic type is bonded to the teeth, the ceramic come in the same colour as your teeth and therefore not as noticeable. The concealed types, (lingual), of brace, attached to the inner side of the teeth, are harder to navigate for the orthodontist to maintain.

The newer type of brace comes in the form of clear, removable aligners. They are custom fit to the patient’s mouth and have the added advantage of being easier to clean as well as allowing for better care for your teeth while you are wearing them. You wear a single aligner for a period of two weeks, removing them only for meals and regular brushing and flossing. After the two week period, you replace the old aligner with another one. This process repeats until your teeth straighten.

The Length of Time for Wearing Braces Varies

This is something that your Ottawa orthodontist will discuss with you as part of the preparation. A normal time for a patient to wear braces is generally between twelve to twenty-four months. After that, the patient wears a retainer for the purpose to strengthen the gums surrounding the teeth. Depending on how well a patient keeps, their oral hygiene in check will determine if the braces stay on longer.

Discomfort of the Treatment

The first initial pain or discomfort presents itself during the installation process. Most people in Ottawa report pressure felt during the adjustment of the bands, which translates into discomfort on the jaw line and the teeth manifesting after a visit. Nevertheless, sometimes teeth may need removing as part of the total process for a better tooth alignment overall.

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

As mentioned above it is imperative to keep on track with a good oral hygiene regimen. As for food, the ones to steer clear from are anything with high concentrations of sugar. This means you should reduce the intake of starchy foods like chips and pasta along with not drinking soda.

These substances generate acids that promote plaque build up on the tooth surface. Other habits to avoid are breathing through your mouth, chewy candies, hard snacks, and pushing your tongue against your teeth. For healthier foods, it helps to take smaller bits or to cut the food up into smaller portions. This facilitates less chewing.

Your Ottawa dentist will guide you on how to care for your braces while at home so you can aid in the overall process of straightening your teeth. Part of the care you must apply with flossing first is being careful to get between the braces and the teeth and under the wires. When you brush your teeth, because the braces create small gaps between the braces and the teeth, you must take precaution when you brush with a medium bristle toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride. Afterwards rinsing and inspecting your teeth using a mirror to ensure they are clean. In addition, it helps to have your teeth cleaned every six months or as your Ottawa dentist suggests.

Who Actually Provides the Treatment?

There is a separation in services between your dentist and an orthodontist. Depending on what your Ottawa dentist sees fit they will coordinate treatment with any orthodontic measures that need attention. In some instances, they might suggest an Ottawa orthodontist to handle the overall process of straightening your teeth or jaw alignment because of their training in this specific field.

Thinking about getting Braces?  Consult these Ottawa Dentists and Orthodontists for the right advice:

[columns ]

[column size=”1/3″]Wellington Village Orthodontics
Ottawa Orthodontists[/column]

[column size=”1/3″]Address: 175 Holland
Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 0Y2

Phone: (613) 722-8500

Email: info@bracesinottawa.com

[/column]

[column size=”1/3″]View Map[/column]
[/columns]