Konvy Dental Clinic

Everyone is familiar with braces, especially the metal ones. However, have you ever wondered how they exactly work to fix your teeth? If you have ever considered braces, you may want to know what kind of options are available for you and how they function to straighten your teeth. There are several types of braces including metal, invisible, ceramic and lingual. Understand how different types of braces work:How Do Metal Braces Work?Getting metal braces to fix teeth alignment is the most common orthodontic treatment that people get, but how do they work? Metal braces work by exerting constant direct pressure on your teeth. The pressure comes from the arch wires putting pressure on the brackets of the braces. This will cause your teeth to move into the correct position and eventually fix your teeth alignment problems.How Do Invisible Braces Work?Invisible braces, also known as clear aligners, are a set of orthodontic devices that help align teeth. Unlike conventional braces, they are transparent. If you’re wondering if invisible braces work, the answer is yes. Just like normal braces, they can fix all the common teeth misalignments, such as crowding, overbite, and open bite, among others. But how do they precisely straighten teeth? After all, invisible braces (clear aligners) are vastly different from metal braces, yet they can accomplish almost the same result. Many people think that they’re effective just by snapping them onto your teeth and that your teeth will move magically. However, that’s not the case. How Aligner Attachments Help to Straighten TeethInvisible braces work by applying gentle pressure on your teeth, slowly and gradually shifting them into the desired position. They are designed to make small movements, so switching from one aligner to the next tends to be more gentle and comfortable. For particular cases, clients will proceed with something called “attachments”. Think of them as handles for your invisible braces. Aligner attachments are transparent bumps bonded to your teeth and are left there for the entirety of your treatment. The placement and shape of them will depend on the movement required. They help apply pressure from the aligners onto your teeth, directing them into the proper position.How Do Ceramic Braces Work?Apart from the brackets being either clear or tooth-coloured, ceramic braces function just like traditional braces. Like their name implies, this type of braces is made of ceramic. They are still functionally capable of treating any teeth misalignments that traditional braces can treat by applying consistent pressure to your teeth. But because the substance is less durable than metal, they can be less long-lasting.How Do Lingual Braces Work?Lingual braces are suitable for people who want to be discreet about their braces treatment. If you get this type of braces, it will not be placed in the front of your teeth but rather at the back. Like traditional braces, they are able to correct the majority of alignment issues by exerting pressure on the teeth. The main difference between normal braces and lingual braces is that they are hidden inside the teeth and hence cannot be seen.While most types of braces work in a similar way, the right one for you will depend on your personal preferences and the condition of your teeth. It’s always best to consult a dentist to make sure you’re choosing the most suitable and effective option for your smile. Not sure if braces are right for you? Take our free smile consultation — it only takes a minute to find out if you’re a good fit.

In today’s health-conscious society, it’s natural to be increasingly mindful of your smile’s appearance, particularly if you’re dealing with issues like crooked, misaligned teeth, noticeable gaps, or overcrowding. If you’re contemplating braces, it’s crucial to establish realistic expectations. We’re here to walk you through what to anticipate before and after getting braces and explore the range of teeth-straightening methods available. Whether you’re inclined towards traditional orthodontics or intrigued by modern alternatives, let’s embark on the journey towards achieving your ideal smile. 6 Expectations Before Getting Braces Before you start braces treatment, there are a few things to keep in mind. This article will help you acquaint yourself with some of the treatments to make the transition as seamless as possible.1. Initial Discomfort and AdjustmentWhen you first start wearing braces, whether invisible aligners or the traditional kind, it’s normal to feel a bit uncomfortable. Having something new in your mouth is something you’ll need to adjust to. Especially with metal braces, the brackets and wires can feel particularly foreign at first. In the beginning, especially in the first week, you might experience some pain. This is just your braces starting to do their job of straightening your teeth, and it’s a sign that they’re adjusting to your mouth. While it might be a bit tough at first, this discomfort is a common part of the process and it will go away within 4-7 days. If necessary, you may take over-the-counter pain medicine to ease the pain.2. Oral Hygiene ConsiderationsHaving braces means giving your oral hygiene routine a bit of an upgrade to keep your teeth and braces gleaming and healthy. Do everything essential like brushing your teeth, flossing and trying to rinse your mouth after every meal. This isn’t just about keeping your teeth pearly white—it’s crucial for preventing plaque buildup around your braces. Do not forget to keep up with your regular dental check-ups. Your dentist or orthodontist can assess your oral health, provide professional cleanings, and address any concerns or issues early on.3. Dietary ConsiderationsWhen it comes to eating with braces, it’s important to be mindful of your food choices to avoid any inconvenience or potential damage to your braces. You may have noticed that friends or family members with braces sometimes face challenges when eating certain foods. This is because braces can restrict what you’re able to consume. To prevent any issues, it’s advisable to steer clear of sticky or hard foods that could potentially get stuck in or damage your braces.4. Appearance ConsiderationsBraces are a highly visible orthodontic treatment, and for some individuals, the appearance of traditional metal braces with their prominent brackets and wires can lead to self-consciousness. However, modern orthodontic options offer a range of choices, including invisible aligners, also known as clear aligners, which are far less noticeable.5. Braces AdjustmentsWhen you opt for traditional metal braces, it’s important to understand that regular adjustments are an integral part of the treatment process. These adjustments ensure that your braces continue to effectively straighten your teeth and align your bite over time. If you opt for clear aligners, your treatment process will differ slightly from traditional metal braces. Your progress will be monitored remotely, and you need to change to new sets of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks.6. Compliance with Treatment PlanAchieving the smile you desire through orthodontic treatment requires time, patience, and unwavering dedication. It’s essential to fully commit to your treatment plan and trust in the expertise of your orthodontist. Consistency is key, as deviating from your treatment plan or missing appointments can potentially prolong the duration of your treatment. It’s crucial to prioritize your orthodontic appointments and follow any instructions provided by your orthodontist diligently. 6 Expectations After Getting Braces Off Well done on finishing your orthodontic experience! Having attained your ideal smile, it’s critical to understand what to anticipate as you adjust to life without braces. Let’s talk about the exciting adventure you have ahead of you once your braces come off, from changes to your oral hygiene routine to the delight of seeing your perfectly aligned teeth.1. Initial SensationsAt first, your teeth might feel a bit strange because they are no longer constrained by braces. They may feel smooth and slippery. It’s also common to be more aware of your bite as your teeth adjust to their new alignment. Overall, it’s a normal part of the process, signalling the start of a new phase where you can appreciate your beautiful smile without braces.2. Increased SensitivityThe brackets and wires of braces can sometimes cause minor wear on the enamel of your teeth. This can lead to increased sensitivity, especially when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. During this time, you can ease the discomfort by sticking to softer foods and taking over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.3. Teeth DiscolourationIf you notice white spots or yellowing on your teeth after removing braces, it’s a common occurrence. The prolonged presence of metal braces, coupled with the difficulty of cleaning around wires and brackets, often leads to such discolouration. Fortunately, there are several options available to address this issue, including professional teeth whitening treatments and at-home products like gels, toothpaste, and strips.4. Retention After BracesWe understand that you may be happy about completing your aligners or braces treatment and no longer need to wear braces, however, your teeth still need to adjust to their new positions. This is where retainers come in. Your orthodontist may recommend wearing retainers regularly to preserve the alignment achieved and prevent any potential shifting back to their original positions.5. Improved Smile AppearanceOne key expectation after completing your braces treatment is the improvement of your smile. This change is a significant aspect of the journey, highlighting the transition from your original smile to the improved version after the braces are removed.6. Improved Oral HygieneWith the braces gone, it becomes much easier to clean your teeth thoroughly. You’ll likely notice that brushing and flossing are much simpler tasks without the brackets and wires in the way. Additionally, the straightened alignment of your teeth not only promotes better oral hygiene but also minimises the chances of food particles getting stuck, ultimately contributing to your overall dental health. Teeth Straightening Options – Traditional vs Modern Exploring teeth straightening options allows you to weigh different approaches for achieving your ideal smile. This section will delve into two popular options: the time-tested metal braces and the innovative invisible aligners.Conventional Metal BracesMetal braces have long been the go-to choice for orthodontic treatment. They consist of durable metal brackets and wires that work together to straighten teeth effectively. Despite their traditional appearance, metal braces are still widely used today due to their proven track record in addressing various dental issues. From correcting crooked teeth to aligning misaligned bites, metal braces offer reliable and comprehensive orthodontic correction.Modern Invisible BracesIt’s time to explore the world of modern orthodontics with clear aligners, or invisible braces. They are made from a translucent, practically invisible material, which offers a more subtle solution for teeth straightening. They are customised to fit over your teeth and gently apply pressure to shift them into alignment over time. They’re virtually invisible and provide the flexibility of being removable, ensuring convenience during daily activities.For more comprehensive details of how they differ from each other, you may check out their treatment processes. This will offer a clearer understanding of how each treatment works, helping you make an informed decision about which option aligns best with your needs.

Invisible aligners (also known as invisible braces) have become a popular choice for teeth straightening, offering a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces. Whether you’re new to using aligners or want to get the most out of your treatment, adhering to recommended practices will help you get the results you want. In this guide, we’ll share ten essential beginner tips for using invisible aligners effectively. These tips will help ensure a smooth treatment journey, maintaining both the health of your teeth and the efficiency of the aligners.1. Change Your Aligners Set On TimeChanging your aligner trays according to the recommended schedule is important for effective teeth straightening. Each set of aligners is designed to move your teeth gradually. Following your orthodontist’s timeline prevents delays and ensures your treatment stays on track.2. Change To New Aligners Set During Night TimeSwitching to a new set of aligners at night can help reduce initial discomfort. Since you’ll be asleep during the first few hours of adjustment, this minimises the impact of any soreness. This approach can make it easier to adapt to them and start your day more comfortably.3. Keep The Old Aligners SetSave your previous set of aligners as a backup in case you lose or break your current set. This makes sure you can continue your treatment without interruption while waiting for a replacement. Having old aligner sets on hand is also useful for tracking your progress and making adjustments if needed.4. Always Store Your Aligners In A CasePrevent loss or damage by keeping your aligners in a protective case when not in use. This habit helps maintain the cleanliness of your aligners. A case is a convenient and hygienic way to carry your aligners with you. It will also help to prevent loss.5. Use Aligners Removal ToolUse a removal tool for easy and safe removal of your aligners. The aligner hook simplifies the process and helps avoid damage to both the aligners and your teeth. It also makes the removal process more hygienic, reducing the need to use your fingers.6. Remove Aligners Before Eating and DrinkingRemove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water to avoid staining and damage. Eating or drinking with aligners can trap food particles and sugars, leading to tooth decay and staining. Removing them helps keep your aligners clear and effective. If you have attachments and are worried about them falling off, the tip is to be cautious with hard food. While you don’t need to completely avoid them, chewing carefully and in moderation can help ensure your attachments stay securely in place without compromising the versatility of your aligners.7. Regularly Clean Your AlignersClean your aligners daily with cleaning tablets to keep them from bacteria and stains. Regular cleaning maintains their transparency and ensures they remain hygienic and comfortable to wear. This practice is essential for maintaining oral health during treatment.8. Use ChewieAnother helpful tip for clear aligners is to use chewies. Biting down on a chewie for a few minutes after inserting your aligners helps seat them correctly and ensures they apply even pressure to your teeth. This can enhance the effectiveness of your treatment.9. Use Retainer After TreatmentWearing a retainer as directed after completing your treatment is important for maintaining your results. Retainers keep your teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting back. Consistent use helps ensure long-lasting results.Using invisible aligners effectively involves a combination of proper care, adherence to your treatment schedule, and maintaining good oral hygiene. By following these essential tips, you can ensure a smoother and more efficient teeth straightening journey.