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A great smile is a winner in every way – it boosts confidence and esteem and is attractive to others. But there’s far more to a mouth of straight teeth than a pleasant appearance. Well-aligned teeth can prevent a number of health problems down the line.
According to the South African Society of Orthodontists, the large majority of orthodontic patients are teenagers. “The teen years, when mouths are not yet fully formed, are the optimal time to correct bad bites,” says Dr Colleen Forsberg, an orthodontist who practices in Centurion, Gauteng.
Good news for teens is that braces are no longer as unsightly or uncomfortable as they once were. “The era of the metal mouth is long gone,” explains Forsberg. “The metal attachments used today are smaller, while other products are coloured to match the teeth. Clear attachments made of ceramic or plastic are also available and far less visible. In some instances attachments can be fitted behind the teeth.”
Forsberg notes that patients in the 11 to 15-year-old age bracket enjoy choosing the colours of their elastic ligatures that are attached to the braces, while those 16 years and over want to draw as little attention as possible to their braces and go for less visible options.
She also observes that braces are ‘contagious’. “When teenagers see the fantastic results their peers achieve through wearing braces, they follow suite. Even parents are encouraged to opt for orthodontics and the proportion of adult patients is increasing in most practices.”
Disadvantages of crooked teeth
Teeth that are misaligned result in bad bites or malocclusions. If crooked or crowded, they may be difficult to clean, and are thus prone to decay, gum disease and wear. If they protrude, they can easily fracture when playing sport or in an accident. In later life, they may lead to problems with the jaws and even chronic headaches. Crooked teeth can also cause some people to stop smiling and become self-conscious.
Such problems require the intervention of orthodontics, a field of dentistry that specialises in the treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Treatment requires the wearing of braces, and in extreme cases, surgery to re-align the jaws.
Treatment lasts between 12 and 30 months depending on the severity of the problem. Following a few simple rules will assist the speedy and successful outcome of treatment.
These include:
- Carrying out all instructions given by the orthodontist meticulously, for example, wearing your elastics as instructed;
- Avoiding hard and sticky foods which may break the braces and extend treatment time;
- Not chewing on pens and fingernails;
- Keeping braces and teeth clean with brushing and flossing;
- Wearing a mouth guard in contact sports; and
- Continuing six-monthly visits to the family dentist.
Forsberg points out that orthodontic treatment is a partnership, in which both patient and orthodontist play an equally significant role.
- (Health24)
Source: South African Society of Orthodontists
