Let’s discuss oral health today.
Have you seen someone smile and while they shine their teeth, it seems a bit strange as it tends to glow under the light and then at that instant you like it?
And then curiosity makes you draw closer before they close their mouths and you realize there’s a string-like entity attached to their teeth and you’re there wondering if it’s for fashion or it serves other purposes.
Well, yes it does serve a purpose and it is not for fashion.
They are known as teeth or dental braces and are devices used to correct crowded or crooked teeth, or a misaligned jaw, which is known as malocclusion.
They are usually made of metal or ceramic, wires, and bonding material that is used to attach to the teeth.
Braces are generally very effective for people who use them, but its effectiveness depends on the person and their ability to carefully follow their doctor’s (known as an Orthodontist) instructions.
As touched earlier that braces aren’t for just put there and not anyone needs them, but for people with crooked teeth, and to align upper and lower jaws. It also improves the aesthetics of people’s smiles and also helps to relieve the pressure on teeth joints, known as temporomandibular joints.
When braces are in use, there are some precautions to be taken.
After getting braces, there’d be a need to avoid certain foods that can become trapped between the braces and the gum line. These include hard candy, popcorn and chewing gum.
With braces, the teeth are more inclined to trap foods that can cause tooth decay. Hence, one needs to be mindful of how often sugary beverages and starchy foods are consumed.
Brushing after meals will keep food from becoming lodged in between the braces and the teeth. Special floss can make it possible to floss around the braces twice per day.
Lastly, having braces will require one to visit the orthodontist for an adjustment every 8 to 10 weeks, who’d check to make sure that oral health is well maintained.
References:
Healthline
Medicinenet.com
