Most people assume that the only reason to get braces is because you want straighter teeth. That is definitely one of the results of getting braces, but for many people, it isn’t the only reason or even the primary reason they get braces. Braces have a number of functions and can correct a range of problems, including cosmetic issues, but also can improve a wide number of health issues in both the dental and physical category. If you are considering getting braces and want to know whether or not they are for you, here are just some of the reasons that people get braces:
 
To Straighten Crooked Teeth
While crooked teeth might not always be a problem—many people like their crooked teeth—the main function of braces is to straighten teeth. Any kind of braces, from Invisalign to traditional metal brackets and wires, will shift teeth into the straightest and most natural-looking alignment. While many get braces just for cosmetic reasons, straighter teeth are actually better for dental health.
Why? Because they are easier to clean. Crowded teeth are especially difficult to clean, but even a larger-than-normal gap between two teeth can become a problem, as particles of food and bacteria can gather there in greater abundance than in other gaps between teeth. Teeth that are in a more optimal alignment are easier to floss, easier to brush, and just overall easier to maintain.
 
In addition, straighter teeth can mean more efficient chewing and less teeth grinding, which, again, translates to a healthier body and a healthier jaw. If your teeth are even a little out of alignment, you might find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, especially as you sleep, as instead of fitting together perfectly, your top and bottom jaw will slip and jolt against one another when you try to close your bite.
 
Having properly aligned teeth can mean fewer headaches, fewer jaw-aches, and even few backaches (less clenching)! While wanting straight teeth is reason enough to get braces, there are actually real health reasons to have straight teeth.
 
To Correct a Misaligned Bite
You’ve probably heard of an over bite or under bite. An over bite occurs when the upper jaw juts out too far in front of the lower jaw, when you bite down naturally. An under bite, on the other hand, occurs when your lower jaw overlaps your upper jaw. Both of these bite issues comes with a range of problems, including putting undue stress on some teeth, while other teeth will see little to no action at all. These bits also put strain on the jaw itself, causing tension that can make the jaw ache or, again, cause you to grind your teeth, which is as bad for your teeth as it is for the jaw.
 
These bites also make it much more likely that you will bite your cheeks or lips, which, over time, can seriously damage to the interior of your mouth. While Invisalign systems might not be able to do much to correct these kinds of problems, more traditional bracket and wire systems can improve an under or overbite by using rubber bands or headgear to correct these problems. In many instances, correcting a bite can also have cosmetic benefits, as once the two halves of the jaw are in better alignment, the smile is more even and the teeth fit together much better.
 
If you have a misaligned bite, getting wire and bracket braces, along with rubber bands that loop from the top to the lower jaw to help shift the bite into better alignment, is the best way to correct this problem. While Invisalign is great at straightening teeth and has the added benefit of being removable for eating and cleaning, and nearly invisible in the mouth, it can do little for correcting an over bit or under bite.
 
Correct Bites that Are Too Narrow
If your top arch is narrower than your bottom arch of teeth, you may be experiencing a range of problems. This issue can make it extremely difficult to chew your food thoroughly and is another cause of grinding or clenching teeth. Having one arch that is too narrow means that your teeth can never set and align properly. When you get braces, there are many techniques that your orthodontist might use to help correct this problem. Spacers and expanders can actually widen the narrower arch, so that both arches actually line up—making it much easier for the teeth to align once they are all straight and in the most optimal position.
 
While this is rarely the main reason that someone gets braces, it is one of the most common problems that is fixed while a person is having their teeth straightened for cosmetic reasons.
 
Bottom Line
While misaligned teeth may never present a serious health risk, having teeth that are straight and properly aligned can make it much easier to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Orthodontic treatments can also make sure that you have enough room in your mouth for wisdom teeth to grow in or even identify additional problems that your dentist or doctor should be aware of. Almost everyone will experience some grinding or clenching of their teeth during their lifetime. Braces can help to prevent this problem, as well as ensuring that the jaw and teeth are in the most optimal position for their main job—chewing food.
 
Having proper oral health is integral the having great overall health, and braces can help a person achieve this, as well as improving self-esteem by improving the look of your smile.

There are many reasons people get braces, some are obvious and others aren’t as obvious. If you have any of the following issues, it may be time to see an orthodontist and find out if you need braces.
 
Top teeth overlap bottom teeth – We should all have a little bit of an overbite where your upper teeth slightly overlap your lower teeth. But, if you notice that when you bite down, you don’t see much of your lower teeth, you have too much of an overbite. Having a minor overlap is not a problem, but a more severe overlap can cause dental issues and should be corrected to avoid the most common problem, premature tooth wear.

Top teeth protrude out over the lower teeth – When your upper teeth are jetted out significantly over your lower teeth, this is called an overjet. Having too much overjet can cause trauma to your upper front teeth, most times from falling, because they will be the first to take the impact. This can be corrected with braces in combination with rubber bands and for more severe cases surgery to align the jaws.

Bottom teeth overlap top teeth – This type of bite is called an under bite and is treated similarly to an overbite, by aligning your jaws or teeth.

Top and bottom front teeth don’t touch – An open bite can make it difficult to bite or chew foods, and may affect your speech. While sometimes genetic, open bites can also be caused by prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use.

Teeth don’t meet on each side – If your top and bottom teeth on the sides of your mouth don’t line up when you close your mouth, you may have a cross bite, which can cause your teeth to wear unevenly. Cross bites are fixed by aligning your teeth or jaws, depending on what is causing the issue.

Teeth are crooked – This is the most common reason people go to see an orthodontist and is most likely what you think of when you hear someone is getting braces. Your teeth can be crooked for a variety of reasons, such as your adult teeth may have come in around baby teeth that didn’t fall out right away, or you may not have enough space in your jaw to accommodate all of your adult teeth. Whatever the reason, crooked or crowded teeth can be hard to clean and may make you self-conscious, but they are easily moved back into place with braces or Invisalign.

Too much space between teeth – This is the opposite problem of having crowded teeth, but it can also cause issues and is very treatable with braces or Invisalign.

Jaw or mouth pain – Not all orthodontic issues are visible, some may only be felt, but that doesn’t make them any smaller. If you experience jaw or mouth pain on a regular basis, you should see an orthodontist right away to determine what is causing your discomfort.

Difficulty biting or chewing – Teeth that are misaligned can negatively affect your ability to eat comfortably. If you have trouble eating or find yourself frequently biting the insides of your cheeks or your tongue, it may be because your teeth are crooked or your bite is off.

Speech issues – Not being able to speak clearly can be caused by many things, one of which is an orthodontic issue. If you have trouble saying certain words, or if you notice your child is struggling, it may be time to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist.
Contact Dr Frans Swanepoel’s offices today to make your appointment!

• What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?

The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to teeth-whitening trays. A series of Invisalign aligners are custom-made for you, to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor.

• How do the aligners straighten teeth?

Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with a series of aligners. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by your doctor, specifically for your situation. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.

• How will Invisalign effectively move my teeth?

Through the use of our patented thermoplastic design, Invisalign aligners move your teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force. The main difference is that Invisalign not only controls the force, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements are determined by your doctor as he or she maps out your unique Invisalign treatment plan.

• What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. No one may even notice that you're wearing them, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle. Invisalign aligners are removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. There are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, an advantage over traditional braces. Plus, since your office visits during treatment don't involve metal or wire adjustments, you'll likely spend less time in the doctor's chair. Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straightened teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Instead of imagining how much better it can be, you'll be able to see it for yourself.

Contact Dr Frans Swanepoels office today to make your appointment!
 

Yes, when you wear braces, you will need to make some lifestyle adjustments. But we think you’ll find it’s not that bad, especially when you think about how you’ll look in the future.

1 Smile. Even though you now have braces on your teeth, that shouldn’t hold you back from smiling with your mouth open. People will probably notice your mouth more if it looks like you’re hiding something. Also, it can be a great conversation starter. Many people have braces today, and it’s not something to be ashamed of.

 

2 For the first few days (and after you get your braces tightened), eat soft foods. Some examples of soft foods include scrambled eggs, oatmeal, pasta, smoothies, and soups. You also want to cut your food into small pieces.

 

3 You will likely feel some pain and discomfort the first week, but you can take action to find relief. A warm washcloth or a heating pad may reduce the soreness in your jaws. You can also take non-aspirin pain relievers. You may also want to put wax on the braces to lessen the discomfort, especially the first one to two weeks. Another thing you can do is to gargle with saline. To do this, take a glass of lukewarm water and add a teaspoon of salt. Swish and gargle with this solution for a few minutes to get rid of the pain. Then, spit out the salt water.

 

4 Avoid certain foods. Common sense will direct you in deciding what you foods you shouldn’t eat. You don’t want pieces of food getting stuck to your braces, so you should avoid hard foods, sticky foods, and foods high in sugar. Sugary foods can cause decay and other oral problems. You should have the following beverages no more than once per day: soda, sweetened tea, Gatorade, Kool-Aid, and any other drinks with sugar. You also want to avoid foods you have to bite into, such as apples, corn on the cob, and chicken wings.

 

5 Don’t chew on foreign objects. This means pencils, pens, and your fingernails. Why? Because chewing on hard objects can damage or break your brace and lead to costly repairs and make your treatment take longer.

 

6 Don’t smoke. Tobacco use of any kind will stain your teeth.

 

7 Clean your braces after every meal and snack. To protect your teeth, you should wait at least one hour after eating to brush your teeth. And to help you even more, see our article about brushing your teeth with braces.

 

8 Floss every day. Floss every night before you go to bed. Using a floss threader will make this process easier with braces. It will allow you to get under the wires more easily.

 

9 Use an interdental toothbrush to clean your teeth and braces. We recommend Proxabrush to our patients with braces. This is an interdental toothbrush, which means it clean between the teeth. You can use it to clean underneath and around your wires and braces. But you want to make sure you are using it gently to avoid damaging your wires. This way you’ll be able to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

 

10 Use a mouthwash or rinse. We recommend Peroxyl, a hydrogen peroxide antiseptic mouth rinse, to our patients. It will reduce inflammation in your gums and cheeks and help your mouth heal. It also helps to prevent infection and decreases any irritation, like canker sores, cheek bites, and other minor temporary injuries. Here’s how it works: Rinse your mouth with two teaspoons of Peroxyl (half a capful) for one minute and then spit it out. You may use Peroxyl up to four times daily after brushing.

 

11 Use fluoride on your teeth daily. We recommend Phos-Flur, a sodium fluoride gel, to our patients. This gel helps prevent tooth decay by killing bacteria and replacing minerals in tooth enamel. You should use the gel after brushing and flossing at bedtime. Here’s how it works: Place a small strip of Phos-Flur on a toothbrush and apply it to your teeth for one minute and then spit it out. After this, you should not drink or eat anything for 30 minutes because the active ingredient needs to stay on your teeth to work.

 

12 If you have a removable appliance, clean it every day. You want to brush your appliance as part of your regular brushing and flossing routine. You should soak the appliance once daily because food particles and plaque can accumulate like they do on the teeth. Here’s how you do that: Dissolve a Polident, Efferdent, or other denture-cleaning tablet in a glass of water at room temperature and put your appliance in the glass.

 

13 Avoid whitening products while you are wearing braces. Your teeth will be whitened, but when the braces are removed, you will have spots on your teeth where the braces used to be. We know you don’t want that.

 

14 Make a cleaning kit and carry it with you. You won’t always be home when you need to clean your teeth and braces. Making a kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, wax, and lip balm is a great idea.

 

15 Check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets regularly. If you do notice a loose or broken wire or bracket, you should call our office immediately to setup an appointment for repair. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, you can use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. In some cases, you can move the wire with a cotton swab or an eraser. You can also try covering it with a small piece of wax.

 

16 If your teeth begin to feel a little loose, this is normal. Your braces must loosen your teeth in order to move them into the right position. Then, when your teeth have been repositioned, they won’t be loose.

 

17 If you have ceramic braces, avoid foods with tomatoes and tomato paste, mustard, and coffee and dark-colored drinks. The red, yellow, or dark colors will stain your ceramic braces, and you don’t want that.

 

18 If you play sports in your braces, wear a mouthguard. Yes, you can play sports, but you should wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your braces.

 

19 Make sure you go to your follow-up appointments. When you wear braces, frequent follow-up appointments are needed to adjust your braces. Skipping appointments will only make your treatment take longer.

 

20 Remember: You won’t have braces for the rest of your life. In about 12 to 24 months, you will get your braces taken off. And if you’ve taken good care of them and your mouth, you will finally get to see your new look.

Contact Dr Frans Swanepoel's office today to make your appointment!

What is a Orthodontist?

Orthodontia, also called orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics, is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of mispositioned teeth and jaws.

How do I Know if I Need Orthodontics?

Only your dentist or orthodontist can determine whether you can benefit from orthodontics. Based on diagnostic tools that include a full medical and dental health history, a clinical exam, plaster models of your teeth, and special X-rays and photographs, an orthodontist or dentist can decide whether orthodontics are recommended, and develop a treatment plan that's right for you.

If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment:

Overbite, sometimes called "buck teeth" — where the upper front teeth lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth
Underbite — a "bulldog" appearance where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back
Crossbite — when the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally
Open bite — space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together
Misplaced midline— when the center of your upper front teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth
Spacing — gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not "fill up" the mouth
Crowding — when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate

How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?

Many different types of appliances, both fixed and removable, are used to help move teeth, retrain muscles and affect the growth of the jaws. These appliances work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws. The severity of your problem will determine which orthodontic approach is likely to be the most effective.

Fixed appliances include:

Braces — the most common fixed appliances, braces consist of bands, wires and/or brackets. Bands are fixed around the teeth or tooth and used as anchors for the appliance, while brackets are most often bonded to the front of the tooth. Arch wires are passed through the brackets and attached to the bands. Tightening the arch wire puts tension on the teeth, gradually moving them to their proper position. Braces are usually adjusted monthly to bring about the desired results, which may be achieved within a few months to a few years. Today's braces are smaller, lighter and show far less metal than in the past. They come in bright colors for kids as well as clear styles preferred by many adults.
Special fixed appliances — used to control thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, these appliances are attached to the teeth by bands. Because they are very uncomfortable during meals, they should be used only as a last resort.
Fixed space maintainers — if a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer is used to keep the space open until the permanent tooth erupts. A band is attached to the tooth next to the empty space, and a wire is extended to the tooth on the other side of the space.

Removable appliances include:

Aligners — an alternative to traditional braces for adults, serial aligners are being used by an increasing number of orthodontists to move teeth in the same way that fixed appliances work, only without metal wires and brackets. Aligners are virtually invisible and are removed for eating, brushing and flossing.
Removable space maintainers — these devices serve the same function as fixed space maintainers. They're made with an acrylic base that fits over the jaw, and have plastic or wire branches between specific teeth to keep the space between them open.
Jaw repositioning appliances — also called splints, these devices are worn on either the top or lower jaw, and help train the jaw to close in a more favourable position. They may be used for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).
Lip and cheek bumpers — these are designed to keep the lips or cheeks away from the teeth. Lip and cheek muscles can exert pressure on the teeth, and these bumpers help relieve that pressure.
Palatal expander — a device used to widen the arch of the upper jaw. It is a plastic plate that fits over the roof of the mouth. Outward pressure applied to the plate by screws force the joints in the bones of the palate to open lengthwise, widening the palatal area.
Removable retainers — worn on the roof of the mouth, these devices prevent shifting of the teeth to their previous position. They can also be modified and used to prevent thumb sucking.
Headgear — with this device, a strap is placed around the back of the head and attached to a metal wire in front, or face bow. Headgear slows the growth of the upper jaw, and holds the back teeth where they are while the front teeth are pulled back.
 
 
 

What You Can Do Before Getting Braces

 
So you’re thinking about getting braces? Congratulations! You’re taking a big step towards improving the health of your teeth, as well as getting that killer smile into shape. To get yourself ready and ensure you take great care of your teeth while you’re undergoing treatment, be sure to do these things before and after getting braces.

One week before getting braces

Some foods just don’t do so well with braces as they can pop brackets and bend wires, which will not only ruin your day but will send you running back to your orthodontist for repairs. In the week before you hit the orthodontist’s chair to have your braces fitted, make sure you indulge in a few of the treats that you’ll need to avoid during treatment.

This might include:

 
Nuts and hard lollies – they’re the main offenders for broken wires in braces, so get your fix before your braces are fitted!
Chewy foods (such as toffee) – they’re known to damage the brackets on your braces
Popcorn – braces can act as a catch-all for popcorn, so get your fill in the week before your treatment!
Hard crust pizza and bread rolls
Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like whole apples and carrots
If you haven’t already done so in the last few months, go back to your general dentist for a routine check and scale and clean. Your orthodontist needs your teeth and gums to be 100% tip-top healthy before the braces are fitted.
 
Also, be sure to thoroughly brush your teeth and floss in the lead up to your appointment so that your teeth and gums are in the best possible condition on the day your braces are applied.

The day of getting braces

On the day of your orthodontist appointment you might be feeling a little bit nervous about how your braces are going to look and feel, but it is important to keep the end result in mind and let your orthodontist know if you’re experiencing any discomfort during your braces application.
 
There are a number of things you can do on the day of your appointment to help settle your nerves and ensure your appointment goes smoothly.

· Clean your teeth thoroughly

In order to have the cement adhere to your teeth correctly, your orthodontist needs a plaque-free surface, so if you’re wanting to avoid a professional clean before your application it’s best to gently clean your teeth after your last meal before your appointment.
 
· Take a before selfie
When we’re feeling self-conscious about our teeth we tend to smile with our mouth closed, but before you head in take a photo with your teeth on display. You’ll enjoy looking back on your teeth before treatment and seeing how much your smile is changing along the way.
 
· Run your tongue over your teeth
While the temptation is strong, you’re going to want to avoid poking around your braces with your tongue. After cleaning your teeth take a moment to run your tongue over your teeth to feel the smoothness – it will also be the first thing you do once your braces come off.

The day after getting braces

Once you’re braces are fitted, you’ll need to make small changes to your day-to-day behaviour to make sure your treatment runs smoothly. Here are some of the habits you can start the day after your appointment so you’re not heading back to the chair sooner than your next appointment!
 
· Keep pain relief handy
You may experience some discomfort for up to a week as you adjust to your new braces. Make the adjustment period easier on yourself and take some over-the-counter pain relief like Paracetamol (e.g. Panadol) or Ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen) at the first hint of aches or soreness.

· Eat soft foods

Not only will soft foods be safer for your braces in the long run, but your teeth will probably not be up to the task of anything particularly hard or chewy. Bananas, soups and pastas are all great options that will play nice with your new braces.
 
· Brush your teeth after eating
Keeping food out of your braces can be tricky, but you will have a much easier time caring for your braces – not to mention the health of your teeth and gums – if you start brushing your teeth after every meal. Get a soft travel tooth brush and pop it in your bag so you’ll always have it on you.
 
If you haven’t made your appointment to get your braces yet contact Dr Frans Swanepoel today!