Braces are now easier than ever, whether the patient is a child or an adult, and often is more comfortable and takes less time than it did years ago. Orthodontic treatment is used to correct a bad bite. This condition, known as a malocclusion, involves teeth that are crowded or crooked . In some cases, the upper and lower jaws may not meet properly and although the teeth may appear stratight, the individual may have an uneven bite. Protruding, crowded or irregularly spaced teeth and jaw problems may be inherited. Thum-sucking , losing teeth prematurely and accidents also can lead to those conditions.
Correcting the problem can create a nice – looking smile, but more important, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. That’s because crooked and crowded teeth make cleaning the mouth difficult. Down the road, this can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and possibly tooth loss. An improper bite can iterfere with chewing and speaking, can cause abnormal wear to tooth enamel, and can lead to problems with jaws.
Braces (also called Orthodontic appliances) can be as inconspicuos as the patient desires. Brackets, the part of the braces that attach to to each tooth may be made up of metal or ceramic. Ceramic braces are the material of choice for a lot of patients. They are less noticeable and if the patient wants, different colored rings can be used for that bright and vibrant smile.