Braces Fort Smith AR Researchers estimate that 45% of people in the United States may need braces for straightening their teeth or correcting their bite. Twenty-five percent of those people are adults. While you may not want to think about wearing braces, you need to know the facts about why wearing braces are important. Here are some facts from Harper Dental about traditional braces vs. Invisalign, or clear aligners. How Old Are Braces?You may think wearing braces is a fairly new phenomenon, but actually, braces have been around for hundreds of years. Some mummies in ancient times have been found with bands across their teeth! However, braces really didn’t become popular until the 1970s, when a greater emphasis was placed on dentistry and dental care. When braces first appeared in the mainstream, they were used for children and teenagers. Now braces can be worn by both teenagers and adults. Why Braces?While you may have seen commercials touting the benefits of Invisalign and other clear aligners, braces are the chosen treatment for many mouth issues. If you need to respace some of your teeth, or you have a small issue with your bite, you might be able to go with clear aligners. However, in the traditional braces vs. Invisalign battle, braces come out on top for several conditions.  You Need Traditional Braces if You Have the Following ProblemsDentists call issues with bite or bite alignment malocclusion. There are three types of bites you might have. First, you may have an overbite. This is when your upper jaw comes down too low over your lower jaw. You might also have an underbite, which is when the upper jaw is behind the lower jaw when your mouth closes. Many people, especially people who sucked their thumbs or used pacifiers as children, have crossbites. Crossbites mean that part of your upper teeth sits inside your lower teeth when you bite down. Over time, these problems can cause jaw issues, such as inflammation of the jaw joint. If your bite issues are severe, you need braces to fix the problem. Dental Braces Fort SmithIf you have teeth that are severely crowded, twisted, or spaced widely apart, you need braces. While clear aligners work fine for adjusting one or two teeth, you’ll need braces to fix more teeth, especially if they are overcrowded or spaced widely apart. Braces are strong enough to make sure that once your teeth are perfectly spaced, you won’t need to undergo more treatment, especially if you continue to wear a retainer at night. Fort Smith Braces for TeensTraditional braces are a great way to get an amazing smile you will be proud to show off. If you are hesitant about getting braces either for one of your kids or as an adult, you need to know that innovations in braces technology make them less noticeable, lighter, and easier to live with. Dentist Fort Smith ARDo you have questions about traditional braces? Not sure if you need braces? We can help. Contact Harper Dental at (479) 431-0280 today and let us make you an appointment. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow To Clean Braces? Brush carefully around braces with a soft brush. Floss daily using a floss threader or water flosser. Regular dental check-ups are important for keeping braces clean. What Age Should You Get Braces? Children usually get braces between 10-14 years old, but it depends on their teeth and jaw development. Am I Too Old For Braces? No, adults can benefit from braces too. There are many discreet options available, like clear aligners and ceramic braces. |
