Wearing braces
Thursday 12 February 2009
Wearing braces is a small price to pay for a lovely smile!
What are braces?
Braces straighten crooked or overcrowded teeth by putting pressure on the teeth. The pressure allows the teeth to gradually get into alignment over a period of time.
There are lots of different types of braces, including see-through ones, white ones, and some that stick to the inside of your teeth. The metal ones are sometimes known as ‘train tracks’.
Do I have to?
Visualise yourself at 18 or 21. You go to kiss that boy or girl you’ve fancied for ages... would you prefer to have crooked teeth or straight ones?
Yes, braces can be uncomfortable and sometimes aren’t great to look at, but they are worth it in the end. The results will be a beautiful smile!
Who fits braces?
You will probably be referred to specialist by your dentist. The specialist who deals with the way teeth look is called an orthodontist.
The orthodontist will take a look inside your mouth and then take some X-rays or photos of your jaw.
He might also take a mould of your jaw by asking you to bite down on some mushy funny tasting clay like material. The mould records how your teeth fit together.
The braces will be made using this information. You will then be asked to return for a fitting.
Is there pain?
There might be a bit of pain when you first get your braces. Also there will be regularly checkups and during each one the orthodontist will adjust the braces to keep the pressure on the teeth.
Sometimes this might mean your mouth feels a bit sore for a while. Try to bear it.
However if the pain is too much you should go back to your orthodontist and let him know. Also, if a wire or bracket is rubbing, smear on some Vaseline and give your orthodontist a call.
How long are they needed?
Fixed braces usually stay in for between 6 months and 2 years, but it varies.
Embrace life
If you’re worried about the negative effects that having a brace might have on your life – don’t. Remember that the good far outweighs the bad.
Eating habits
You will be able to eat normally but in the first days of your fitting you might be asked to stick to soft food so you don’t ‘break’ the brace.
Food jam
Food stuck in braces looks yukky but also means you might get tooth decay. However there’s an easy way to avoid it sticking around for too long – carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with you always and brush after every meal.
Fancy fears
Worried that no boy or girl will like you because you have braces? Imagine a celebrity or pop star you really fancy. Would you fancy them any less with a brace on? We don’t think so either! Remember that going for people based on only looks and small things (like braces), does not build a healthy relationship. It’s personality that makes someone attractive.
Kissing worries
You might be able to feel them whilst you kiss but this can be fun!
And even if you both have braces there’s no way you can get ‘locked together – so don’t worry!
Brace banter
Your friends might tease you for the first few days but they will soon forget and get used to them, probably quicker than you will!
Plus braces certainly did some famous people no harm! Tom Cruise had braces a few years back. Remember All Saints? Shaznay had braces. Lil' Bow Wow got braces in 2002. Gwen Stefani was even know to wear braces occasionally in the past - not because she had to but because she they made her feel young!
So ignore anyone who laughs at you because you’ll soon be laughing a very beautiful smile right back at them. Good luck!
