Questions About Braces

Berks County, Reading and Wyomissing, Pennsylvania

What materials are braces made from?
Due to advances in technology, the brackets of braces (the part attached to the tooth) are smaller than they used to be and can be made from a variety of materials including:

Metal
Ceramic
Plastic
A combination of materials

Are braces left in the mouth or are they removable?
There are two types of braces available, fixed and removable. Fixed braces remain in the mouth at all times and can only be removed by a dentist. Removable braces can be taken out. The type used is based on your individual needs.

When is it recommended that orthodontic treatment begin?
Generally, when a child is between the ages of 6 and 12. This is the time when their adult teeth are beginning to come in and the jaw is growing. Because some malocclusions start to become evident as early as 1 year old, early evaluations are important. Ideally, treatments to correct problems should occur as soon as they are detected. Unfortunately, some treatments do require the permanent molars to be in place.

Can adults wear braces?
Children and adults alike can benefit from orthodontic treatments. Before technological advancements, it was even more embarrassing for an adult to have to wear braces than it was for a child, but times have changed. There are many styles and types of braces to choose from now. It is never too late to begin correcting problems with your teeth and improving your oral health and care. It is important to consult with a qualified dentist to determine which would best suit your needs.

Who provides treatment for orthodontic needs?
Most general practicing dentists have the training to treat minor orthodontic problems. However, few dentists and orthodontists are trained to provide the more advanced form of orthodontic treatment necessary to tackle complex neuromuscular orthodontic problems that can correct not just crooked teeth, but a misaligned jaw that can cause a host of problems from the face to the neck and even to the fingers. Neuromuscular orthodontics can even improve the appearance of your face, if its shape has been adversely affected by misaligned teeth.

Can I play sports when wearing braces?
Wearing braces should not exclude you from playing any type of sports. It is recommended, however that if you do wear braces, you should always use some type of mouth guard when there is any chance of injury to the mouth.

To learn more about braces and orthodontic care, please contact Dr. David A. Schwartz at his Wyomissing, Pennsylvania Family and Cosmetic Dentistry practice.

Phone: 610.670.6910