This article discusses what orthodontic braces are, the benefits of braces and provides a list of problems braces can fix.

Smiles are contagious; this is a simple fact. No matter how grumpy you are or how bad a day you’re having, when someone smiles at you, you smile back. With that small flash of teeth, for one brief moment, your worries fade.

That is unless you are hiding your smile behind your hand because you don’t want to share your crooked teeth with the world. It is this very thing that the orthodontist in Colorado Springs seeks to change, by aiming at giving you a smile that you can be proud of.

Isn’t It Too Late For That?

A common misconception is that dental braces are only for children or teenagers. Truth be told, orthodontic braces are becoming increasingly popular among adults who are looking at improving both their appearance and their oral health by straightening their teeth.

Over time, skew teeth can cause more of a problem than simply hindering your smile and they do this by affecting your gums, your jaw, your oral hygiene and even the way you eat your food.

What Exactly do Braces Entail?

Orthodontic braces work by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to the teeth in your mouth. This pressure slowly shifts your teeth, repositioning them into the correct alignment. The main constituents of braces are brackets, arch wire, orthodontic bands, spacers and ties:

• Brackets are small squares that are cemented onto to each individual tooth.
• Arch wires are either clear or metal and attach to the brackets. These guide the movement of the teeth.
• Orthodontic bands are either clear colored or metallic and are wrapped around and cemented to each tooth. They serve to stabilize the brackets.
• Spacers are used prior to the placement of orthodontic bands and fit in between the teeth making small spaces in which the orthodontic bands are placed.
• Ties are the small rings or wires that attach the arch wires to the brackets.

This Sounds a Little Uncomfortable…

The truth is that it is initially rather uncomfortable. There is no easy way to shift the position of teeth in your mouth. However, your teeth will feel normal after the initial adjustment period. The orthodontist in Colorado Springs will assess the severity of your case and decide on a plan that best suits you, keeping your best interests and optimum comfort at heart. This being said, you will have to make certain adjustments to your eating and withstand a degree of discomfort before experiencing the overall benefits.

How Do I Know if I Need Braces?

The obvious answer is to visit the dentists in Colorado Springs for a consultation. But here are a few quick checks to help you decide:

• Are your teeth particularly skew or crooked?
• Do you suffer from severe headaches or jaw pain?
• Do you have difficulty chewing?
• Are your teeth wearing excessively or unevenly?

If you have answered “yes” to one or more of these questions you might want to visit your Colorado Springs orthodontist for a checkup, because braces might just be the answer that will help you make the world a better place with your beautiful smile.