Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

About Me

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

When you think about gum, you might think of blowing bubbles, or freshening your breath. However, the gums you need to think of first are the pink ones in your mouth supporting your teeth. I didn't know how important healthy gums were until I came down with a case of gingivitis in my early 20's. I had neglected my brushing and flossing habits for nearly a decade, so my last few years of college were marred by pain in my mouth and bleeding gums. It took me over a year of hard work to reverse the damage I caused and restore my mouth to peak health. My recovery included an uncomfortable and lengthy procedure known as root planing, and that experience convinced me to help others avoid the entire issue of gum disease. This is why I've created my own website to help everyone protect their gums the easy way.

 

Need Braces For Crooked Teeth? Understand The Initial Steps To Take

9 June 2015
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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When you have teeth that are spaced out, overlapping, or crooked, braces will be necessary to get them straight. Visiting an orthodontist is crucial for coming up with a plan to straighten your teeth with braces. Corrections will be made over the several months that will help adjust your teeth into the correct spot. If braces seem like they are right for you, it helps to understand the initial steps that you'll need to take to get them:

First Visit: Selecting The Braces

A couple things need to happen at your first orthodontist visit. X-rays will be taken to get an overview of what is happening underneath the gum line, and an impression of your teeth will be made to create a mold. This allows your orthodontist to reference the exact arrangement of your teeth to determine the bracket placement for every single tooth.

You will be given several options for the kind of braces you want. They include:

  • Gold metal
  • Silver metal
  • Ceramic
  • Invisalign

The former three options require brackets that are glued directly onto each tooth. If you select Invisalign, the braces will be removable when eating or drinking. An orthodontist can walk you through the pros and cons of each option. Some questions you may want to ask include:

  • Which type will be the most discreet?
  • Which type will be most effective?
  • Which type will work the fastest?

During the initial appointment, spaces may be placed between your teeth to prepare you for when the braces are put on.

Second Visit: Putting On Your Braces

Your orthodontist will have braces ready to put on in a couple days. Ceramic, silver, and gold braces will require brackets that will be glued onto each tooth. The glue is cured quickly using a special curing light.

The bands are then attached to each bracket in the same appointment so that the adjustment process can start immediately. Expect to make monthly follow up appointments with your orthodontist to make adjustments to the braces.

If you selected Invisalign, you will need to visit the orthodontist to pick up the plastic tray system. The first set will be placed on your teeth in the office to ensure that they fit properly. Expect to swap in new trays around 2-4 weeks depending on your treatment plan.

Now that you know more about the initial steps in getting braces, you'll be well prepared for what is in store for you. To learn more, contact a company such as Fayetteville Family Dentistry.