Orthodontic Braces – Your Dentist Says Leave Them to the Professionals

With the growth of the internet and social media, there is a do-it-yourself (DIY) video or blog on just about anything these days. This free flow of information helps people unlock the mouse on their computer and learn how to season a favorite dish just right, but there are some things that are dangerous to DYI. One of them is to attempt to make your own set of orthodontic braces. As you read on, you’ll learn why it’s important to leave this to the professionals.

What are DIY Braces?

Do-it-yourself braces generally consist of the following parts:

• Superglue
• Orthodontic wax
• Rubber bands
• Hair elastics
• Dental floss
• Jewelry-making bracelet beads
• Paper clips

A common motivator for using such a method to correct bite issues is to attempt to save money. Unfortunately, though, there are several problems that can arise like:

• Facial Trauma
• Teeth can be lost
• Gum disease can develop
• The affected teeth could move back

These maladies can be avoided, though.

What Do Traditional Braces Consist of?

Traditional braces consist of several components that work in tandem to correct bite and jaw alignment issues by applying the proper force. Here are the main parts that DYI braces attempt to mimic:

• Brackets – First, brackets are bonded to your teeth. These are essential to the process because they hold the arch wires that add the tension to your teeth and cause them to move.
• Bands – Orthodontic bands are cemented to the teeth using a dental bonding agent and wrap around each tooth to act as an anchor for the brackets.
• Arch Wires – The wires provide the needed tension to encourage your teeth to move. As the process goes along, your dentist will tighten them to accommodate your improving bite.
• The Buccal Tube – This part fits on the band of the last tooth and holds the wire in place.
• Ligatures – The ligatures are elastic rubber bands that may be used in some cases to also help keep the wires attached to the brackets.

The process of fitting patients with braces is no simple matter and incorrectly done, could cause serious problems that could have effects on other parts of the body.

For example, research has shown that some jaw alignment issues have been found to contribute to back pain. There are so many subtle nuances at play that a person should only rely on the expert care of a dentist.

Final Reasons to Visit the Dentist for Braces

Dentists go through rigorous training to be qualified to provide dental care and additionally, take hundreds of hours of continuing education to ensure they stay abreast of the latest changes in the world of dentistry. Furthermore, their intense training guarantees that patients experience the safest and most effective care.

If you’re in need of braces to correct your bite, don’t take a chance on a DIY project. Contact your local dentist to schedule a consultation, so you can safely and effectively correct your bite issues and experience a healthy and beautiful new smile.

He’ll inform you of a way to correct your bite without any bothersome brackets or wires, using the Invisalign clear braces method. Smile perfection starts today!

About the Author

Dr. Steven Stec earned his dental degree from the University of Nebraska Medical College of Dentistry. Additionally, he has attended the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Dr. Stec helps patients correct bite issues in a healthy and effective manner with Invisalign clear braces at Stec Cosmetic & Family Dentistry and can be reached for more information through his website.