Oral Health Link to Whole Body Health: A Blog
Brace Up and Straighten Out
Duane Kelly
Having straight white teeth to compliment your smile is a sure way to improve your confidence. Dentistry has come a long way over the years, and there are now a variety of treatments available to help you to correct crooked teeth, straighten them out and keep them looking white and clean. Many of these procedures are quick and simple and can be arranged in very little time. This simple guide will give you an overview of some of the different methods being practiced today so that you are more informed about the two main braces options available to you, in order straighten your teeth.
Types of Braces
There are many different types of braces available to help guide teeth as they are growing; some are designed for children whilst others like Invisalign focus more on the adult market. Adult braces can differ slightly as they focus on shifting the position of the teeth over time by making small adjustments every week or so. These gum shield styled braces are very discrete and often worn at night so that they don't interfere with daily activities. The idea is that a new mould is worn frequently that shifts the position of the teeth over a series of months, whilst supporting the new location until they are set in place. This type of brace is useful for people who have oral hygiene problems, as they won't trap food debris, which can cause a spike in plaque, tartar and gum disease.
The other variation on the brace is more traditional and uses either metal or ceramic plates that are connected by wire and fit across the front portion of each tooth. These are more visible and often recommended by orthodontists for children, around the age of five, to help develop the teeth and jaws correctly through the early years of growth, by pulling them into position. This brace, whilst effective can cause bad breath if proper oral care is not maintained. It's therefore important to use both regular brushing and mouthwash to cleanse in between the crevices of the metal fixtures.
According to the Australian Society of Orthodontics (ASO), metal braces can cost between $5,000 and $9,000 for 18 months worth of treatment, whereas adult braces will cost from $6,000 to $9,000 for a full treatment. Both of these price guides include initial consultations, regular check-ups and the removal of the brace, as well as advice on how to look after the brace and maintain a proper level or oral care.
Share
You may have heard that cavities and oral decay are linked to things like heart disease, and, in fact, your oral health affects your entire body. Hi! My name is Brenda, and I like to look at things holistically. Because of that, I created this blog. I plan for its posts to look at the link between dental issues and other health issues. I hope that the people who visit this blog learn a few tips about oral care as well as gaining a deeper understanding of why it's so important. Healthy smiles indicate a healthy body, and I hope this blog helps you achieve both!