Understanding Root Canal Procedures

Frequent Orthodontic Questions And Concerns

13 August 2018

Diane Mason

Orthodontic treatments are often the only way for a person to straighten their teeth or to correct other alignment problems. When a person is needing to decide whether they should consider orthodontic treatments, there are some pieces of information that should be reviewed.

Why Do Some Patients Need To Have Teeth Extracted?

It is relatively common for patients to need to have one or more of their teeth extracted in order for the alignment adjustments to be made. This is due to the fact that some people will have a mouth that is simply too small to accommodate the normal number of teeth. As a result, these patients may be prone to overcrowding or other problems. By extracting these excess teeth, the orthodontist can create the space that is needed to straighten the patient's teeth.

Will The Teeth Shift Positions After The Braces Are Removed?

Once the braces are removed, patients may be worried that their teeth will shift back into their previous positions. To prevent this, patients will usually be given retainers to wear. These devices will need to be either worn at night or permanently installed, and they will hold the teeth in place while they adjust to the absence of the braces. In most instances, patients will be able to eventually stop wearing the retainer, but it may take many months to get to this point. During this time, you should take extremely good care of the retainer and have it replaced as soon as possible if it is destroyed or lost.

At What Age Should A Person Get Braces?

Individuals will often get braces when they are in their teenage years, but you should not assume that this is the only time that a person can undergo this treatment. Individuals can undergo orthodontic treatments at almost any age once their permanent teeth have developed. This can make it possible for adults to undergo this treatment when they may have been unable to receive it when they were younger.

Can Braces Cause Damage To Your Teeth?

Another common fear about braces will be that they can cause permanent damage to the teeth. However, this is not typically the case as long as the patient is making the effort to thoroughly brush and floss each day. This is particularly important because the braces may trap food particles and tartar, which could lead to decay if it is not removed. Following the removal of the braces, many patients will undergo a whitening procedure to help even out the color of their teeth.

For more information, contact local orthodontists. 

Share

Search