It’s amazing how many people have mildly to wildly misaligned teeth. You can really see it when you watch TV shows or movies made in the 1970s. Back then it was ok to look at people with teeth that were a bit wonky. Nowadays, not so much. But it’s not just about beauty. Did you know that having your teeth realigned with braces in Camden not only improves their appearance and the way the teeth bite together, but also makes them easier to clean?
Why choose braces?
At Ace Dental in Camden, braces are used to improve an incorrect bite. This helps stop tooth damage, strain on the jaw muscles, joint problems and sometimes even headaches. You are probably very used to seeing children wearing braces in Camden, but increasing numbers of adults here are being treated too.
A variety of braces systems
There’s the traditional fixed brace, which is cemented to the teeth for the duration of treatment. It has brackets, sometimes metal, sometimes plastic or clear ceramic, depending on your alignment issues. These are joined by a flexible wire, often tooth-coloured these days, which is tightened to pull the teeth into position.
Then there’s removable aligners, used for simple treatments on the front teeth only. These use delicate wires and springs to move the teeth using gentle pressure.
Next there’s invisible braces or aligners. These are custom-made, slightly different, clear plastic moulds that fit over the teeth. A series of aligners is worn, each one for 2 weeks, before being replaced with the next one. They are removed for eating, drinking and cleaning but must be worn for 22 hours a day.
How long does treatment take?
Before your treatment can begin you need to have an initial consultation, a full examination with x-rays and have plaster models of your teeth made.
Expect your treatment to take a few months to two-and-a-half years, depending on the severity of the problem. Once your teeth have reached their destination, they take a while to settle into place, and you will need to wear a retainer. If you aren’t very good with self-discipline, it’s best to get a fixed retainer rather than a removable one, so you don’t inadvertently undo all that good work.
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