Orthodontics is a special discipline of dentistry concerned with aligning the teeth and jaws to improve one's smile and oral health. A dentist usually recommends braces to improve the person's facial appearance. Through orthodontic treatment, problems like crooked or crowded teeth, bites, incorrect jaw position and disorders of the jaw joints are corrected.

Right age for braces?
Orthodontic treatment can be done at nearly any age. An ideal time for placement of braces is between 10 and 14 years of age. Braces aren't just for kids. More and more adults are also wearing braces to correct minor problems and to improve their smiles.

Early and Interceptive Treatment

If your child has a problem that requires attention, your orthodontist may recommend interceptive treatment. Early intervention, which takes advantage of facial growth and tooth eruption, can lessen the severity of a problem, and it frequently makes the completion of treatment at a later age less time consuming and less expensive

What kind of braces will I have to wear?
Your orthodontist will know what appliance is best for your particular problem, but the patient often has a choice. Most popular type of Braces (brackets) are metal, plastic and ceramic. Ceramic braces are bonded to teeth and are far less noticeable. Wires are used to move the teeth to the desired position.

How long will I have to wear braces?
That depends upon your particular problem and treatment plan. The more complicated your spacing or bite problem is, and the older you are, the longer the period of treatment, usually. Most patients can count on wearing full braces between 18 and 30 months, followed by the wearing of a retainer for at least a few months to set and align tissues surrounding straightened teeth.

Will treatment be uncomfortable?
The interconnecting wires are tightened at each visit, resulting in mild pressure on the brackets or bands to shift teeth or jaws gradually into a desired position. Your teeth and jaws may feel slightly sore after each visit, but the discomfort is brief.

Do I have to avoid any foods or personal habits?
Yes. Any food that can bend wires or stick to the teeth. Cut down on sweets, chips and popcorns. Sugary and starchy foods generate acids and plaque that can cause tooth decay and promote gum diseases.

Cut hard foods like carrots or apples into smaller pieces. Sticky, chewy sweets like caramel can cause wire damage and loosen brackets. No hard and crunchy snacks like Pizzas etc that can break braces, including popcorn, nuts and hard candy.

What about home care of my teeth with braces?
With braces, oral hygiene is more important than ever. Braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque get trapped. Brush carefully after every meal with toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and check your teeth in the mirror to make sure they're clean. Insufficient cleaning while wearing braces can cause swollen and bleeding gums, enamel staining around brackets or bands.

Who will provide my orthodontic treatment?
Your family general dentist is responsible for diagnosis and coordinating your dental treatment with the orthodontist. "Orthodontist"-a specialist trained in the development, prevention and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite and jaws and related facial abnormalities will then take care of planning, putting and regulating braces as required.