Dental Braces

Dental braces, or orthodontic braces, are used to straighten teeth and correct an over, or under bite, cross bite, deep bite or open bite or malocclusion. This cosmetic dentistry treatment helps align teeth in a pleasing fashion and improves mastication and pronunciation. It can also stop dental problems from developing.

Orthodontic braces change the shape of the mouth and teeth by applying continuous pressure on teeth, over time, the teeth shift into the desired alignment. Orthodontic braces need to be kept in for up to two years to allow the gradual shift to happen, sometimes with adjustments made by your local dentist. The process loosens the teeth, and new bone then grows to support the tooth in its new alignment (sometimes technically called bone remodeling.) Improved alignment of teeth through orthodontic braces is vital as it can improve oral hygiene. Overlapping teeth or incorrectly grown teeth are harder to clean in-between and incorrectly grown teeth can cut the gums or cheek and cause infection. Overlapping teeth can hide plaque, bacteria pockets and allow gum disease to breed in neglected cracks between teeth. Left to its own devices, it can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss. Improper bite can be fixed with braces and when the teeth are fixed, the improvement can provide a greater sense of self esteem and pride in your smile.

Problems that can be fixed with Dental Braces

Malocclusion (bad bite) is the most common problem that can be sorted through the use of orthodontic braces. It can be caused by having too many or not enough teeth, or a small mouth, or an improper alignment of the jaw (which can also cause bruxism or TMJ disorders) and can even be caused by the tongue being repeatedly thrusted against the back of the teeth as a child , which usually causes an "open bite". All these problems do have one thing in common though; they can be improved or fixed with dental or orthodontic braces.

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