Dentistry For All
109 Scotland Road
Nelson, BB9 7XH
01282 615070
info @ dentistry4all.com
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FAQ: Cosmetic
Braces (Orthodontics)
What are braces?
Who can wear braces?
Do braces hurt the teeth?
Tooth Whitening
How can I keep my teeth white?
Can the dentist make my teeth whiter?
Braces (Orthodontics)
What are braces? They are small metal or clear devices that are glued to teeth in order to correct crooked teeth and/or a bad bite.
Who can wear braces? The majority of braces patients are growing children. Some of these may require a first-stage or growth treatment before their braces usually with some sort of retainer. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an appointment with an orthodontist by age 7. Practically speaking though, a child should see an orthodontist when either the parents or the family dentist see there is a teeth or bite problem. Much more adults are now seeking braces treatments and adult orthodontics is a clinically accepted procedure. Remarkable changes can be made with adults' teeth and the development of refined jaw surgery techniques has helped many adults with severe bite problems.
Do braces hurt the teeth? Although a slight amount of damage can occur to the teeth and gums, braces are generally a very safe procedure. Virtually all orthodontic patients have teeth that are much healthier than before they got braces. The most common problem encountered with braces is the teeth shifting later, but orthodontists nowadays take extra precautions to minimize this.
Tooth Whitening
How can I keep my teeth white? The best way is to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, and limit stain-causing foods and habits. These include: tobacco, certain foods and beverages (such as coffee, tea, berries), some drugs (such as tetracycline), or trauma to a tooth.
Can the dentist make my teeth whiter? Yes. In the dental office Chairside bleaching takes 30 to 60 minutes and one to three visits. A shield (made of rubber) protects your gums from the bleaching agent (a form of hydrogen peroxide) which is "painted" onto the discoloured teeth. Mouthguard bleaching is done by you at home. You wear a custom-made mouthguard with special bleaching gel (provided by your dentist) for a period of time each day, or overnight, over a number of weeks. Individual response to bleaching is variable. It depends on the number of teeth involved and the severity of the discolouration. Over-the-counter, at-home whiteners are not recommended because they may cause problems associated with over exposing gum tissues to the active whitening agent. Any bleaching treatment should be done under a dentist's supervision.