BRACES, A FASHION TREND?

Trends emerge in the fashion industry on a regular basis. A full-on metal mouth, presently seen as a symbol of wealth and style is one of them. This is why we are quick to conclude that they are solely for fashion, when we see people wearing these metallic accessories on their teeth in different colours. Although this dental tool has been turned into an accessory by many, a lot of people still use it for the purpose of dental treatment. Let’s take a look at the real essence of braces that goes beyond fashion trends.

Braces are dental tools used to correct misalignment of teeth. An orthodontist is certified to help you determine if you need braces and specializes in carrying out this treatment process. Individuals who get braces do this to enhance their appearance. It is to be worn for a period of time and removed after desired results have been gotten.

Various types of braces are available hence they might look different from one individual to another. The most common type is the Metal/ Traditional braces. They include brackets that are attached to the front of your teeth or bands that fit around each tooth, as well as flexible or arch wires that hold the brackets or bands together. Some braces also include rubber bands or metal ties that link the brackets to the wire. These bands create more pressure to help align your teeth.

Another type is the Lingual Braces. The brackets of these braces are attached to the back of the teeth, facing your tongue. They are placed completely behind your teeth and are harder to see. 

There are also Ceramic (clear) Braces which are less visible because the brackets are made of tooth-colour ceramic. These are preferred by people who do not want to draw attention to their teeth, usually older persons as opposed to teenagers.

The question now is ‘How do these braces work to correct these tooth problems?’.

Braces work on your teeth by exerting constant pressure on them for an extended period of time to slowly move them in a specific direction. The alveolar bone which is the bone beneath the teeth changes shape too in the course of this treatment.

One might wonder how possible it is for teeth to move because of the common notion that, the teeth are connected directly to the jawbone, and therefore immovable. This is relatively not the case as beneath the gum, there is membrane surrounded by your bones that roots your teeth to your jaw. This membrane controls the position of your teeth, and it responds to the pressure being put on your teeth by braces.

Next, we could go on to consider how long an individual is to wear braces. Braces contrary to most beliefs are not for life but for a specific period of time which varies from person to person and is dependent on:

• How closely instructions are followed

• How healthy the teeth, gums and supporting tissue are

• How severe the teeth problem is

• The amount of room inside your mouth.

After braces, most people are made to wear retainers used to keep the aligned teeth in place.

Having a full-on metal mouth, you might be wondering how these individuals maintain their braces and are able to clean their teeth on a daily basis. It is a bit technical and demands being careful. Individuals are advised to avoid certain foods that are hard, sticky or chewy food to avoid dislodging the brackets or creating room for caries to develop.

Dental braces are an effective tool to help you achieve a regular bite pattern and greatly enhance your appearance. Beyond aligning your teeth, they provide an overall improved aesthetics which would in turn improve your psychosocial life.

So next time you see an individual on braces, don’t be quick to judge. It might be the key to the person’s happiness and wellbeing generally rather than a mere fashion accessory.

Ewonubari Dagde-Kenneth