Braces are a highly effective tool for improving teeth with alignment, malocclusion or other orthodontic issues. Some people are averse to having braces because they’re afraid the visible orthodontic hardware will further impair their smile. One simple method for easing these concerns is to align your teeth with ceramic braces.
The braces can be perfectly shaded to match your existing tooth enamel. While this does not make the braces completely invisible, it will make it harder for the casual observer to notice them on your smile.
The ceramic braces will require some daily cleaning and basic maintenance. Any damage to the orthodontic hardware or complications from cavities could potentially increase the duration of time it takes to realign your smile.
Brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing each evening will help you remove stray food material and plaque from your teeth and braces. This is a critical first step for the prevention of tooth decay and maintaining healthy gums. If you are having trouble flossing between your teeth, you might want to try using a floss threader with waxed dental floss.
Eating sticky foods or chewing gum can potentially bend wires and break a piece of hardware loose. A similar threat is posed by eating crunchy foods and hard candy and chewing on things like pens, pencils, and ice.
Things like tobacco use or the frequent consumption of dark foods and beverages can stain your tooth enamel. At the same time, the porcelain glaze will not be as prone to staining. This could cause a mismatch between the braces and the natural tooth enamel. You can still enjoy dark beverages in moderation, but you might want to try drinking them through a straw.
If you live in the Price, Utah, area and you’re interested in ceramic braces, you should call 435.637.0820 to set up an initial consultation with Dr. John R. Schouten at Schouten Orthodontics.