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Start page FAQ Link to bkb Authors introduction Disclaimer Image galleries E-mail me Interact Braces chat Messages questions and stories Braces webcams Knowledge base Events Bonding (brackets on) Jaws wired together Encyclopedia Dental terms Parts of your teeth Orthodontic procedures Orthodontic terms Names of teeth Orthodontic tools Parts of your braces Other related words Types Maintainers and regainers Space regainer Space maintainer Activator Teuscher activator Woodside activator Class II activator Wilson appliance Wilson distal Other Wilson appliances Wilson lingual Wilson expand Elsaa appliance Positioner Retainer Clear retainer Removable ricketts retainer Fixed retainer Removable retainer Herbst appliance Jasper jumper Standard jasper jumper Gentle jasper jumper Other stuff Articulator Orthodontic wax Old braces Hybrid twinblock expander Anterior bite plate Invisalign Lingual space maintainer Bonded twinblock Nance appliance Expander Removable expander Fixed expander Elastics and springs Elastics Coil springs Twinblock Fixed braces Coloured bands Lingual fixed braces Clear fixed braces Gold fixed braces Facemask Square facemask Old style facemask Saggital appliance Habit appliance Mouth breathing Removable MB appliance Nightguard Thumb sucking Fixed habit crib Removable habit crib Nightguard Magnet appliance Frankel appliance Frankel I Frankel V Frankel II Bionator Bionator I Bionator II Headgear Double headgear Headgear pro Headgear helmet Hi-pull headgear Facebow biteplate Cervical headgear Reverse headgear What is this site missing? I'll add it. Join this site to get a picture by your comments. |
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat do braces do? Why do people need them? Braces move teeth. If your jaws are not lined up, or your teeth are not straight, then braces will move your teeth into their correct positions. People get braces for medical or cosmetic reasons. What are appliances? Appliances are another name for removable braces. What is an archwire? The archwire is the main wire on fixed braces that all the brackets are connected to, it is flexible and models the desired arch shape. To see a diagram, and definitions of other terms, see the Encyclopedia. How much do braces cost? Orthodontic costs vary widely depending on the severity of the problem and the type of treatment. For the UK, Orthodontics are covered by the NHS. However, private treatment is also available. In the US, Cost can range anywhere from $4000 to $9000, and federal law prohibits orthodontists from advertising their fees in order to prevent price fixing. A survey in the November 2001 issue of the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics pegged the average cost of full treatment for children under 18 at $4,150. How do braces straighten your teeth? Braces are pieces of metal or plastic that apply pressure to the teeth, moving them into their correct positions. "Fixed" braces (such as brackets) are glued to your teeth. What does supernumerary mean? Extra teeth, that are not meant to be there. What is the NHS? The NHS is an acronym for the National Health Service. It exists in the United Kindom. It is funded by taxpayer's money, and may pay for all or part of orthodontic treatment. Non-cosmetic juvenile orthondontic treatment is usually paid for in entirety by the NHS, but the waiting lists legths can be many years. Do braces hurt? Fixed braces will initially hurt when you first get them for 2 or 3 days. The pain will dissipate after that. If pain continues for more then a week, then contact your orthodontist. Your mouth will ache for about an hour after your braces are tightened. Removable braces just ache a little when you first get them. What happens when you get braces? First an X-ray will be taken of your teeth, and then a set of impressions will be made. This involves biting down onto a paste which hardens to make the shape of your teeth. These impressions are used to make the braces. At the next appointment, if you are getting removable braces, you will be presented with these new braces, and instructed on how to wear them. If you are getting fixed braces they will then be attached to your teeth. Brackets and molar bands will be glued to your teeth, and an archwire will be fitted. Can I play a musical instrument with braces? Yes, you can play the instrument of your choice with braces on your teeth. It may take a few days getting used to playing with the braces on. What happens when your braces are "tightened"? At a regular appointment, usually around 2 weeks apart, you will go to get your braces tightened. With fixed braces, this involves removing the archwire and replacing it with a newer one. The new one will probably be a slightly different shape than before to help move the teeth to a new position. If you have removable braces , the "tightening" involves bending the wires of the brace, to apply more (or less) pressure to the teeth in selected areas. What age do you get braces? You can get braces at any age. Braces are most common around the 10-13 age group. Adult braces are becoming more and more common, around 25% of braces wearers are Adults. What foods can't you eat with braces? It is a good idea to avoid the following kinds of foods, as they may damage the braces: Chewy foods: Hard rolls, Licorice Crunchy foods: Popcorn, Ice, Crisps. Sticky foods: Caramels, Chewing Gum. - (I managed to pull of a molar band when eating a "refresher bar"!) Hard foods: Nuts, Confectionery (sweets) Foods you have to bite into: Corn on the cob, Apples And... Fingernails, Pens, Pencils What works better, clear or metal braces? They have very similar in treatment duration. However metal braces are a touch quicker to complete treatment. What is headgear used for? Headgear is used when your upper teeth or jaw are too far forward. Headgear slows the upper jaw in its forward growth and allows the lower jaw to catch up simply by developing at its natural rate during the period of early facial growth. How long are braces worn for? Depending on the severity of treatment, anything from 18 to 30 months (1.5 to 2.5 years). What do retainers do? Retainers are worn after you finish your braces treatment. They hold the teeth in their correct places, so that the teeth do not relapse back to their shape before braces. How long are retainers worn for? Usually for 1.5 to 2 years after treatment finishes. Some people may choose to wear retainers for longer after that. How many people have braces? In the United States, at any one time, approximately 4 million people are wearing braces. About 25 percent of these orthodontic patients are adults. You're not alone. |
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