WEBVTT

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Are your teeth crooked or crowded?

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Do you have a misaligned bite

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such as an overbite, underbite,

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open bite, or a cross bite?

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If so, braces may be the solution

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you need to achieve straighter teeth

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and an aligned bite for a healthier,

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more attractive smile.

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Misaligned teeth

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can be more difficult to clean

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and thus are more prone to tooth decay.

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As well as flawing

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the appearance of your smile.

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Misalignment can also result

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in uneven pressure on teeth,

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which can lead to fracturing, chipping,

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and abnormal tooth wear.

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In addition,

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problems with the bite can interfere

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with the function of your mouth

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and can make it difficult

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to chew and speak properly,

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and they may also cause

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jaw pain and stress.

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To correct these issues,

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your doctor may recommend

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orthodontic braces

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for a smile

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that is healthy,

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functional, and beautiful.

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Braces work by applying constant gentle

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pressure to the teeth

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to move them into proper alignment.

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Brackets are attached to the teeth

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using a bonding cement,

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and then the brackets are connected

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with an arch wire.

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Rubber bands

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may be used to hold the wire in place

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on the brackets,

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as their doctor adjusts your braces

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at each checkup appointment,

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your teeth are gradually aligned.

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You may experience some soreness

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right after your braces are put on,

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and discomfort can be alleviated

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with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

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You may also want to eat soft foods

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if you are experiencing tenderness

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from your braces.

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Traditional braces are made of metal

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like stainless steel.

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Other types of braces are available

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as well

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to fit your individual

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needs and preferences.

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Gold plated brackets may be suggested

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if you are allergic to nickel,

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which is a component in stainless steel.

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Ceramic braces are also available

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for a more discreet orthodontic

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treatment option.

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Lingual braces,

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which are placed on the tongue

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side of your teeth,

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may be an option as well.

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Your doctor will review

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the types of braces available

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and will help you determine

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which kind is best suited to your needs.

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While you are wearing braces,

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it is very important that you maintain

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good oral hygiene,

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including regular brushing and flossing.

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You may also want to use a proxy brush

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to clean around the brackets.

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Depending on the severity

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and complexity of your malocclusion,

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your braces treatment

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can last anywhere from just a few months

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to a few years.

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The average treatment

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time with braces

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is 12 to 36 months

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after your braces are removed.

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You will wear a retainer

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to ensure

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that your teeth do not shift

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out of their proper alignment.

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To find out whether orthodontic braces

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are the right choice

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for correcting

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misaligned teeth

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and enhancing your smile,

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contact your doctor today.