Do I Really Need Braces?

Not only can braces assist in developing a beautiful smile, they also contribute to better oral health. Braces can help avert gum disease, cavities and tooth decay, bone erosion, poor bites and injury to the inside of the mouth.

1. Better oral health

When teeth are not correctly aligned, brushing and flossing are much more difficult to perform properly. In cases of crowding, the bristles of a toothbrush cannot thoroughly remove remnants of food, which, when left to build-up, can cause plaque and tartar. Excessively tight spaces between teeth also make flossing near impossible, which can lead to gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. Gradually, cavities and gum disease destroy the bone and ligaments that keep teeth in place. However, braces can help preserve good oral hygiene, and can help forestall periodontal disease and cavities.

2. Better digestion

Crooked teeth can make it harder to break down food into smaller pieces, which means the stomach may take longer to digest. When teeth are correctly aligned, food can be completely chewed, which makes for better digestion.

3. Stop jawbone erosion

Incorrectly aligned teeth can cause jawbone erosion or bone loss, which takes place when bacteria begin wearing away at bones. Braces help to bring teeth back into proper alignment to avoid jawbone erosion.

4. Better confidence

Braces are most frequently sought after for this reason. Although they are vital for good oral hygiene, straight teeth certainly work wonders in increasing your confidence. When your teeth appear crowded or crooked, you might try to hide your smile as much as possible. This may cause poor self-esteem and anxiety.

However, at Finesse Dental, we’ve seen the importance of a well-aligned and beautiful smile, as our patients find it much easier to talk, smile or show off their new, straighter smile.

5. Better speech

Patients with a malocclusion (irregular contact between the teeth of the upper and lower jaws) or misaligned teeth often have chronic speech issues. Braces can potentially aid in eliminating speech disorders.

At Finesse Dental, applying braces usually takes about an hour, and generally, does not cause any pain. After a couple of hours, your teeth and gums may feel sore or painful, however, this is a transient discomfort that only lasts for a couple of weeks, until you become more accustomed to having braces in your mouth.

Usually, any pain accompanying wearing braces can be lessened with over-the-counter pain medication. You should also steer clear of chewy food for the first week, and instead choose softer food like yoghurt, soup or ice cream. To avoid cavities, select drinks with calcium or with a very small amount of sugar.

Most people become adapt to braces within a month. It’s completely normal for some soreness to remain from time to time.

1. Dental wax

Dr Robby may recommend you use soft and pliable dental wax, which you can smooth over the raised and hard parts of your places. This will reduce pain and friction against the more sensitive places in your mouth.

2. Oral anaesthetics

Oral anaesthetics can be dabbed onto sensitive teeth and gums with either a cotton tip or your finger. These help to numb gums and teeth, to prevent the sensation of your teeth beginning to shift.

3. Salt-water rinse

Gargling with a solution made of warm water and salt can help bring relief from the small sores or cuts in your mouth that may arise from braces.

4. Avoid touching

Although it’s hard to resist with a dental appliance in your mouth, try to avoid rubbing your tongue against the brackets, to prevent the formation of ulcers.