Braces

Good morning. Rise n shine lazy bones...
Today, I'm gonna write about braces. The orthodontic braces, I mean.

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It seems, that now a days, more and more people are wearing dental braces. This is for the purpose to align their teeth so, their bite or jaw position can be fixed (for those who have malocclusion) or just so that their smile would be more beautiful.
There are a few types of braces:

1. the usual conventional metal braces (I think it's cool - you can choose the colours for the ligatures. Wehee!! Rainbows!)
2. the lingual braces (the braces are behind the teeth so that it's not visible for others to see. Professional people usually use this treatment)
3. damon braces (said to be faster than the other types of braces and it is self-ligated)
4. the invisalign (do not use wires and brackets... instead invisalign is a removable clear aligners. custom-made so no two are the same. must cost quite a lot!)
5. gold braces (made of 24k gold. people who are allergic to nickel use this. waahhh!! even your teeth have bling-blings :D )

Usually, the first week of wearing braces are the hardest. Clenching your teeth can be quite hurtful (use painkillers if you can't handle it) and it feels weird and awkward to have something stucked there in the mouth. Soreness and lisp can be avoided by using waxes. The day when the wires are tighten can also be quite painful. But don't worry! All the pains and hurting will be worth it!

After wearing braces (9 months - 3 years), then retainers will be fitted in your mouth. Some people might think that this is not necessary and ignore the orthodontist orders on how you should wear it. But actually, retainers are VERY important. Without it, your teeth may return to their original positions. So all those pains and money will be wasted! There are 3 types of retainers:

1. Hawley retainers (removable)
2. Essix (they looks like invisalign but they do not align teeth)
3. bonded or permanent retainers (only the doctor can remove these retainers)

While using braces, your diet and hygiene are vital. Do not eat hard or chewy foods (lsuch as toffee or apple~unless it is cut into small pieces) as they could harm or break the braces. After every meal, brush your teeth. Usually it takes an extra time to clean and floss between the wires. But, hey, if you don't, the food that stucks between braces and you teeth will eventually turn to plaque and well, no one wants that! For those who wear invisalign, it is suggested that you remove it during mealtime and always clean them!! (or else it smells. phewww!!)

Well, anyway, these braces (and retainers) are very helpful and worth it! By the end of your treatment, you will have the most beautiful smile and teeth. It can help boost your self-confident and no more hiding your teeth!! Good luck to everyone who will / are wearing braces!!

PS: I'm going to wear it this 29th! That's why I'm writing this article.