A mouth with straight teeth

A mouth with straight teeth looks beautiful

You get braces if your teeth are facing forward. Or if your teeth do not fit together properly. Braces straighten your teeth. This makes it easier to chew, for example. Brushing your teeth also becomes easier. This keeps your teeth clean and healthy. And, of course, a mouth with straight teeth looks nice.

Which braces will you get and when should you wear them?

There are different types of braces. Locking braces, for example. These are attached to your teeth. There are also braces that you can take on and off yourself. Sometimes there are also external braces. You may have to wear them day and night. Or you may only need it in at night. It all depends on how crooked your teeth are. And what it takes to get them in the right place. That determines which braces are best for you and when you should wear them.

How do braces work?

Braces pull or push your teeth in the right direction. You should have braces adjusted regularly. Then it keeps pushing your teeth in the right direction.

How long should you wear braces?

On average, you have to wear braces for two to three years. They are not always the same. Throughout your braces period, you often need several braces.

Who do you go to for braces?

Lock bracket

The specialised dentist who straightens crooked teeth is an orthodontist. Some dentists can also make braces themselves. First, he looks at how crooked your teeth are. You may be too young to get braces. Then your jaw needs to grow further first. If you are ready for braces, he will make an impression of your upper and lower teeth. To do this, you have to bite into a kind of porridge. It usually tastes like peppermint. He will also take X-rays and plain photographs of your teeth. From these, he can see which braces are best for you. At the next visit, he will tell you and your parents.

How often do you need to come back for your braces?

You usually have to come back once a month for your braces. In the beginning, these visits last about half an hour. Later, they become shorter and shorter. You cannot always visit after school. You may have to miss an hour of school for this.

How do you feel about braces?

Outboard bracket

The first few days it is a strange feeling having braces in your mouth. After that, you get used to it. Then the strange feeling goes away. Sometimes your teeth may be sensitive after fitting or adjusting the braces.

Can you just brush your teeth with braces?

You can just brush your teeth. In fact, it is important that you pay extra attention to brushing your teeth, molars and your braces. With some braces, however, it is more difficult to do it properly. In that case, you can use special toothbrushes. You will be given useful tips about these when you get your braces.

Can you eat anything with braces?

Unfortunately, with braces you cannot eat everything. Thus, with your braces in, you will have to leave out liquorices, toffees and other sticky things. It is also best not to chew gum. The residue will stick to your braces and it will be very difficult to remove it. Also be careful with threaded meat and with cola or other soft drinks. The drinks contain sugars. Those sugars cause plaque. And plaque causes cavities. With your braces in your mouth, it is difficult to brush away plaque.

Want to know more?

Then download the free app GezondeMond. The app is available for Android and tablets, available via Google Play. The app for iPhone and iPad can be found in the iTunes App Store..