So, your teeth are crooked? Well, that probably means you’re going to have to take a trip to the orthodontist. If you’re not sure whether or not you need to see an orthodontist about your teeth, ask your dentist. He or she will be able to recommend an orthodontist for you. The orthodontist specializes in the way your teeth are lined up. So, if you go to the orthodontist, expect him or her to examine your teeth, mouth and jaws. You’ll get an x-ray, and you’ll also probably have a mould taken of your teeth. This is done by clamping your teeth down in a tray of clay-like stuff in order to create an exact replica of your mouth. The x-rays and the mould will help your orthodontist determine if you need braces or a retainer, or nothing at all.

You’ve seen braces probably on kids in your school or on TV and all around you. You’ve probably heard people called names like “metal mouth” or “railroad track face.” There is really nothing to freak out about if you need braces. So many girls your age wear braces that it’s totally normal. Plus, think about the long run. When you get those braces removed, your teeth will be perfectly straight and beautiful … you might not even recognize yourself. Do you want to know how braces make your teeth straight? Well, they put constant pressure on your teeth over a long period of time, which forces them to get into the right position. When you have braces, you’ll need to go to the orthodontist a lot for regular check-ups. This is to make sure the braces are doing their job and staying in place. Sometimes, you’ll have your “wires tightened,” which means the orthodontist will tighten up the braces and give you rubber bands. These rubber bands are added to your braces to help the process along. The cool thing about rubber bands is that you can get lots of different colors, to match your outfit, to cheer for your favorite team, to show your patriotism or to celebrate a holiday. There are also new, nearly invisible braces that you can ask your orthodontist about. With braces, there will be certain things you can’t eat or drink. Chewing hard foods like bagels and pretzels will be difficult. Also, you won’t be able to chew gum or eat lots of candy or drink much soda. Your orthodontist will give you a list of foods to stay away from so that you won’t have complications or get cavities and other tooth problems while you have the braces on. If you do happen to get a cavity while you have your braces on, it can be difficult and painful to fix. So, be careful and listen to your orthodontist for sure.

At night, some people with braces have to wear head gear. This is to continue the tooth-fixing process while you sleep. Head gear is a funny-looking contraption, but it is safe, fixed to your mouth and won’t move while you sleep. At first, head gear isuncomfortable, but you’ll get used to it after a while. Also, it can be embarrassing to wear such a big, silly wire-thing on your face. Remember that nobody is going to see you while you’re sleeping, so there’s no need to be embarrassed. Also remember that the more you wear your head gear, the faster your teeth will be fixed and you won’t have to worry about any contraptions any more.

The other reason you may go to the orthodontist is for a retainer. A retainer is kind of like a mouth guard that you wear in field hockey and other sports—except it’s made of wire and plastic, and it’s more comfortable. Retainers are usually made and worn once teeth are moved into position, so that they will RETAIN their position. You are supposed to wear the retainer all day long. But you have to take it out when you eat and when you go to sleep. That’s why you should carry a little case around with you. You need to keep your retainer safe and clean when it’s not in your mouth. It’s important that you don’t lose or forget about your retainer because it’s really expensive and hard to replace. The major difference between braces and retainers is that you have to remember to wear your retainer. So, it’s up to you to be a part of the tooth-fixing process. If you goof around or skip days with your retainer, you’ll only complicate the problem and end up wearing it longer. It’s also important to keep your retainer really clean. It sits around in your mouth all day, where lots of bacteria and germs fester. At night, when you brush your teeth, brush your retainer too. That should help to keep it clean and to kill the germs. Some people choose to soak their retainers in mouthwash or in other cleaning solutions. Talk to your orthodontist about the best care solution for you and your mouthpiece.

Click below to read about related topics.

Introduction
The Dentist
Braces & Retainers
Wisdom Teeth