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Are cavities common with braces? 5 common questions about orthodontics answered

One of the world's most effective treatments, but also one of the most despised, braces can truly change your life (and your smile!)

There are now many kinds of different braces available, all designed to treat a myriad of issues and at Navan Dental, we can help you choose the right one for you. Invisible braces can correct gaps, and overcrowding while clear braces are more suited to resolving more complex problems with misalignment. Some cosmetic braces are designed to correct issues with the front 6 teeth in your mouth and are not suited to more severe cases of spacing or misalignment. And of course, the most infamous of all the braces, the metal or orthodontic brace is designed to alleviate more complicated misalignments with the teeth and to align the upper and lower jaws.

Depending on your needs, our team at Navan Dental can help you. At our surgery, we can offer a range of different orthodontics Navan, such as Six Month Smiles, the Inman Aligner and the Clear Smile Aligner. With our knowledgeable and experienced dentist, you can rest assured that your teeth will be straightened in no time!

Have some questions about adult orthodontics Navan? Here, your top questions are answered.

Does wearing a brace increase my chances of getting cavities?

With fitted orthodontics Navan, there is a slightly increased chance of developing cavities; the brackets can act as a place for bacteria and plaque to hide.

Therefore it is necessary while wearing a fitted brace to visit our hygienist to avoid plaque accumulation and to have an excellent oral hygiene routine at home.

What's the difference between a clear and an invisible brace?

Clear braces are usually fitted to the teeth and are composed of thin metal wires and either clear or enamel coloured brackets. Invisible braces are usually removable and are custom-fitted to slot over your teeth. Invisible braces are also usually made of malleable, clear plastic.

Do adult braces work?

Yes, they do!

While traditional braces use the same method regardless of your age, adult braces and aligners aim to push the teeth into their new positions, without using the same kind of force associated with regular braces.

The process may take slightly longer but overall, adult braces can collectively boast a 97% plus success rate!

How long does each type of brace take to work?

This depends on which issues are being treated, but as a general rule clear braces take an average of 6-9 months to realign teeth.

Invisible braces have a similar treatment time, but can be as short as 3 months, while cosmetic aligners can take anywhere between 3-9 months.

Traditional braces take between 18-36 months to straighten teeth.

Are all braces painful?

Orthodontic, as well as some clear and cosmetic braces use tightening and pulling to move the teeth into their new positions; this can be quite uncomfortable for a couple of days following each adjustment.

Invisible braces use a very gradual pushing method to realign the teeth, but with each new aligner, there may be some minor discomfort.