Braces may help straighten your teeth but can wreck your oral health too

Having a radiant smile is an asset, both in your personal and professional life. But if you do not want to go for braces, here’s what you can opt for.
braces for teeth
Braces can make people conscious of how they look. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Pravin Shetty Updated: 19 Aug 2021, 12:13 pm IST
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We are all aware of the effects of digital technology on our lives. The advent of social media and the increasingly digital-first world functions in a way that our faces and features are constantly on display in front of our friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers. Therefore, the desire to be presentable and project a confident, self-assured demeanour asserted by a radiant smile is understandably high.

Building on this trend, it is no longer unnatural for people in their 20s and even 30s to opt for dental makeovers. Braces have long been considered a saviour by people seeking teeth realignment. However, in the current orthodontics landscape, other options are available that are invisible, removable, and customized.

Follow us as we take a look at the ways the newer, digital system has an advantage over braces when it comes to maintaining your oral health.

braces
You must understand the oral health effects of braces. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Avoid gum issues caused by plaque build-up

Tooth and gum issues on account of wearing braces follow a simple cause and effect pattern. The areas of teeth and gums under connecting wires and brackets are hard to reach, and therefore difficult to clean. This creates chasms and alcoves, into which food particles can get trapped. This leads to the formation of plaque, which manifests in the form of gum swelling and irritation.

Avoid cavities and decalcification

Braces? Cavities? How? Remember the plaque from before? If not removed properly, it can lead to the development of cavities and even white lesions. To prevent this, invest in a toothbrush with small tips to reach all nooks and crannies.

“Okay, and what’s decalcification?” Decalcification or demineralisation is the loss of tooth minerals, due to the accumulation of plaque. This leads to unpleasant white stains as well as erosion of enamel. Remineralisation of teeth can be achieved by using fluoride toothpaste and consuming vegetables, fruits, and dairy products rich in minerals. Eating leafy and crunchy vegetables rich in fibre also helps by keeping the saliva flowing, which contains traces of calcium and phosphates that help in remineralisation.

braces
Braces have both pros and cons. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

So, is there a solution?

The easiest way to prevent oral damage while wearing braces is to ensure regular and thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums. That said, if your ultimate goal is to look good and present yourself at your best, why not choose a smile makeover solution designed especially for the job? Clear teeth aligners, devised by new-age players in the dental care arena utilising the latest technology, offer a customized, removable, and invisible alternative to traditional braces for those looking to achieve dazzling smiles without compromising on aesthetics or comfort.

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Clear aligners consist of a series of plastic trays that are designed, according to the user’s unique dental size and shape, to enable comfortable movement of the teeth over a period of time. With the help of digital consultation and intra-oral scanning sessions, excellent smile corrections can be delivered within six to eight months, and sometimes ten to fourteen months in complex cases. Additionally, teeth aligners assist with the maintenance of oral hygiene, as you can easily remove them before every meal, thereby keeping the teeth clean during the treatment period. Being invisible, these aligners are discreet enough to be worn to important occasions in case you don’t want to remove them, allowing you to be socially active even while wearing clear aligners.

The last word

Smile makeovers aside, the key to a great-looking set of teeth remains proper dental care. Investing in a good quality toothbrush, changing it every two to three months, complemented by flossing and mouthwash use were and will remain instrumental for maintaining a radiant smile. Together, these best practices will help you reap healthy dividends, while giving you smiles that take you miles and beyond.

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About the Author

Dr Pravin Shetty, Co-founder, toothsi ...Read More

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