Braces Las Vegas are fixed appliances that help correct misalignments of teeth and jaws. They are most often applied by orthodontists, dentists who have completed 2-3 years of post-doctoral training in the diagnosis and treatment of malocclusions.
Ligature elastics (or ligatures) are the small metal wires that attach to bracket slots. Power chains or c-chain ligatures are many elastics connected together to increase the force and pressure on certain teeth, especially while closing gaps.
Aesthetics are an important consideration for orthodontic patients, especially during their adolescent years. Crooked teeth and malocclusions can lead to self-consciousness when smiling or speaking, and they can also cause other health problems such as overcrowded teeth, difficulty brushing or flossing, gum disease, loose or cracked teeth, and jaw growth complications. Correcting these issues with braces can help improve oral and facial symmetry, and enhance the overall appearance of your smile.
The newest and most popular type of aesthetic braces are ceramic (translucent) brackets. These are smaller and blend in with the tooth’s natural color, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces. They are less expensive than clear aligners, but they are not removable, so you should avoid eating anything sticky or hard, and make sure to schedule your appointments regularly. The drawbacks of these types of braces are that they can be more prone to staining, and they can take longer to work than traditional metal braces.
Other esthetic options include transparent ligatures that attach the archwire to each individual bracket, and a lingual wire that is placed behind the teeth for additional guidance. These methods are still effective and can provide the same results as traditional metal braces, but they are more discreet.
In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of your smile, a straighter and more uniform smile can boost your confidence. Besides helping you feel better about yourself, your new, straighter smile can make it easier to speak and eat, and may even help you look younger!
As patients have increasingly sought treatments that prioritize a combination of effectiveness and cosmetic appeal, many orthodontic practices have evolved to offer a wide variety of aesthetic appliances. However, this trend should not overshadow the importance of ensuring patients are adequately educated on their treatment choices and achieving an optimal balance between practitioner expertise and patient preferences. By better understanding the role of aesthetics in orthodontic treatment, clinicians can ensure they are utilizing the best possible appliance for each unique case.
Functionality
Aside from the aesthetic benefits of straighter teeth, braces correct a variety of other oral health issues. Crowded or misaligned teeth create nooks and crannies where bacteria can hide, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Straightening them makes it easier for your toothbrush to reach all areas of your mouth, reducing your chances of these problems.
In addition, incorrectly aligned teeth can lead to unnecessary pressure on specific teeth. This can lead to premature wear and tear that can increase your risk of cavities or even tooth loss. Braces realign your teeth and bite to distribute this pressure evenly, minimizing the risks.
Another reason why it’s so important to get orthodontic treatment early is that the jawbones are still growing and developing during adolescence. The orthodontist can ensure that the jawbones grow and develop properly by guiding your teeth into their correct positions. This will help prevent potential complications such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders later in life.
One of the most common reasons people pursue orthodontic treatment is to treat crowded or crooked teeth. These problems can cause food to get stuck in between your teeth, which leads to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. If you don’t brush your teeth regularly, they can also be more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. Braces can solve these issues by ensuring that all of your teeth are properly aligned, which helps you to brush and floss them more effectively.
Comfort
Having braces can lead to some discomfort, especially right after you get them or when your orthodontist makes adjustments. But over-the-counter pain relievers and eating soft, cold foods can help! Also, make sure to talk to your orthodontist if you notice any loose wires or poking brackets. They may be able to give you some wax that you can stick on the rough area, which will help protect your tongue and cheek from irritation.
Traditional metal braces are made up of tiny brackets affixed to the front of your teeth, which are connected by thin wires. When tightened, these wires apply a consistent, gentle force to move your teeth into the desired position. In recent years, these braces have been made smaller and more attractive so that they blend in with your smile.
Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces, except that the brackets are made of tooth-colored materials instead of stainless steel. Because of this, they are less noticeable in your smile. However, they are more fragile than metal braces and need to be treated with greater care. They can also be more expensive than traditional braces.
Self-Ligating Braces
Similar to traditional and ceramic braces, self-ligating braces use brackets that clip directly onto the wire rather than using rubber bands. This allows for more flexibility and reduces the amount of pressure on the teeth. They also tend to be more comfortable than traditional braces.
Power Chains
Power chains are a type of elastic band that is used in conjunction with traditional braces. They add more friction and force to the teeth and can be used to close gaps or correct a crooked bite.
Having braces as an adult can help correct crowded, gapped or crooked teeth, which can lead to poor oral health. Straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss, which will reduce your risk of developing gum disease or cavities. They can also reduce the chances of bone deterioration in your jaw because misaligned teeth put more stress on the jaw bones. In addition, braces can help you speak more clearly by reducing your lisp or slur.
Safety
During the pivotal adolescent years, when the jawbone is growing and developing, braces help guide teeth and the upper and lower jaw into proper alignment. This promotes balanced facial symmetry and helps avoid complications such as uneven tooth development, crooked teeth, and an improper bite that can lead to chewing problems, temporomandibular joint (TMD) pain, and other issues that may arise later in life.
Correcting crowded or overlapping teeth is one of the most common reasons people choose to wear braces. This helps improve the appearance of your smile and can also make it easier to keep your teeth clean by reducing the nooks and crannies that are easy for plaque to hide in.
Over time, crowded teeth can lead to the formation of dental cavities. This is because food debris and bacterial plaque that are difficult to reach can build up in these areas. Straight teeth, on the other hand, are less likely to trap plaque or cause food particles to become trapped, so they tend to be healthier overall.
A properly aligned bite also reduces the risk of deterioration of the jawbone and can help with digestion, since food is more thoroughly chewed before it is swallowed. In addition, misaligned teeth can cause jaw stress that can lead to headaches, tooth loss, or jaw fractures.
When patients are wearing braces, it is especially important that they practice good oral hygiene to prevent dental problems. Regular brushing and flossing can eliminate food debris and bacterial plaque between teeth, which can otherwise lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other serious dental health issues. It is also recommended that people who wear braces bring a small toothbrush and dental floss with them when playing sports to minimize the risk of food debris becoming lodged between the wires, brackets, and other components of their orthodontic treatment. To further minimize this risk, it is also a good idea to wear a mouthguard when playing sports. This can significantly reduce the impact of a blow to the face that could damage the teeth and/or the appliance.