Health Leader, Brace Yourself

Brace Yourself

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?

Cut down on sweets, chips and soda.
Sugary and starchy foods generate acids and plaque that can cause tooth decay and promote gum disease.
Cut healthy, hard foods like carrots or apples into smaller pieces.
Sticky, chewy sweets like caramel can cause wire damage and loosen brackets.
Avoid crunchy snacks that can break braces, including popcorn, nuts and hard candy.
More don’ts: ice cube chewing, thumb sucking, excessive mouth breathing, lip biting and pushing your tongue against your teeth.

What about home care of my teeth with braces?

Braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque get trapped.
Brush carefully after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Rinse thoroughly and check your teeth in the mirror to make sure they're clean.
Take time to floss between braces and under wires with the help of a floss threader.
Be sure to have your teeth cleaned every six months to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Insufficient cleaning while wearing braces can cause enamel staining around brackets or bands.

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

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Health Tip:

Packing Bag Lunches Safely

If you pack lunches for your child to take to school, be careful that you do not accidentally expose them to foodborne illness.

Bagged lunches, especially those containing perishable foods, need to be packed and handled properly in order to keep the food safe. In general, perishable foods should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. If left out too long, the temperature of the food can enter the danger zone where bacteria grow most rapidly, which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Below are some tips to help families pack bagged lunches safely:

Pack foods that are nonperishable and won't require refrigeration.
If you do pack perishable foods such as luncheon meats or prepackaged cheese and crackers, include a frozen gel pack or a frozen juice carton with the food in an insulated lunch bag or box.
Pack only the amount of perishable food that your child can eat at lunch.
Preparing lunches the night before and storing them in the refrigerator until you pack your child's lunchbox in the morning can help keep food cold longer the next day.
Don't reuse packaging materials such as paper or plastic bags, aluminum foil, etc. as they can contaminate other foods and cause foodborne illness. Have your child discard all used food packaging and paper bags after lunch.

Before eating lunch or snacks at school, make sure your child washes his or her hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If your child's school does not have a handwashing program in place, encourage them to adopt a such a program, as handwashing is one of the best ways kids and parents can protect health and stop the spread of germs.