What is "orthodontics," and why do people get braces?
Orthodontics is a special discipline of dentistry concerned with aligning the teeth and jaws.
Through orthodontic treatment, problems like crooked or crowded teeth, overbites or underbites, incorrect jaw position and disorders of the jaw joints are corrected.
When is the right time for braces?
Patients with orthodontic problems can benefit from treatment 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! Many adults are also wearing braces to correct minor problems and to improve their smiles.
What kind of braces will I have to wear?
The most popular type is brackets, metal or plastic, which are bonded to teeth and are less noticeable. The traditional type, bands, covers most of your teeth with metal bands that wrap around the teeth. The "lingual" type of braces is brackets that attach to the back of teeth, hidden from view. Recently, some patients have been treated with computer-generated “invisible” plastic overlays which pressure the teeth into movement .
How long will I have to wear braces?
The more complicated your spacing or bite problem is, and the older you are, the longer the period of treatment. Most patients can count on wearing full braces between 18 and 30 months, followed by wearing a retainer for at least a few months to up to two years to set and align tissues surrounding straightened teeth. Some patients may have to wear a permanent retainer.
Will treatment be uncomfortable?
The interconnecting wires are tightened at each visit, bearing mild pressure on the brackets or bands to shift teeth or jaws gradually into a desired position. Your teeth and jaws may briefly feel slightly sore after each visit. Some teeth may need to be extracted to make room for teeth being shifted with braces and for proper jaw alignment.
Do I have to avoid any foods or personal habits?
What about home care of my teeth with braces?
Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry
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Microwaves and 'Erupted Hot Water Phenomena'
Hot-water eruption can occur if you use a microwave oven to super-heat water in a clean cup. ("Super-heated" means the water is hot beyond boiling temperature, although it shows no signs of boiling.)
A slight disturbance or movement may cause the water to violently explode out of the cup. There have been reports of serious skin burns or scalding injuries around people's hands and faces as a result of this phenomenon.
Adding materials such as instant coffee or sugar to the water before heating greatly reduces the risk of hot-water eruption. Also, follow the precautions and recommendations found in microwave oven instruction manuals; specifically the heating time.
