Braces

Humans develop two sets of teeth during their lifetime. The first set is called the milk teeth or the baby teeth and are 20 in number. This set starts to grow at about six months of age. The second set is the permanent set and these start to grow at the age of six years. These are 32 in number and they are never replaced during our lifetime.

Generally, these permanent teeth grow and have a definite shape, size and structure, however sometimes there are certain anomalies, as sometimes they grow out of perfect alignment. In such cases, we need to put them in shape to look good. This can be done using braces.

Now the question is what exactly is bracing or braces? Braces or orthodontic braces are devices to put our deformed teeth in place and in perfect alignment. Braces are not exactly counted among the new methods. These were also used in ancient times that are even about 300 B.C. Now Braces can be of many types which involve:

• Clear Braces
• Lingual Braces
• Gold Plated stainless steel braces
• Titanium Braces

Braces are placed on patients by qualified professional dental experts. Braces are generally suggested by dentists only when the patient is suitable to such measures. Nowadays with the advent of technology in the field of medicines, new gadgets are used during such operations where the braces are placed on the dental structure of patients. Digital models are used for such operations.

Fitting the braces is not enough, it should remain as it is for a particular number of month or years. It may be six months or even six years, depending on the patient’s dental condition, and then it can be removed. Even after that, many precautions should be taken to ensure that the teeth do not regain its previous structure. Retainers or special metal hooks on the teeth are used even after the entire operation.

The idea of braces is however not entirely free of side effects, as it may result in the change of jaw and cheek structure. Besides this, there is a chance of plaque, as food gathers around the teeth structure. Hence regular and proper brushing is always recommended by dentists after braces are fitted on the teeth.

There is also a chance of allergy, as many people are allergic to metals or to plastics and may result in an allergic condition called anaphylaxis. We must always consult the dentist about such complications before considering such an operation.

Such operations are not cheap. These operations vary accordingly with age and the severity of the deformation. So if you have problems with your teeth structure, then you must consult the professional immediately and do the needful.