Orthodontics is all about braces. This innovation gives each one the opportunity to acquire a winning smile which enhances self-esteem and holds the key to social and career success. Here are five of the most interesting ones:

1. What are the two phases of orthodontic treatments?

Two phases of the treatment are:

• Phase I, or early interceptive treatment is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, Herbst, Facemask, headgear, or partial braces) for it happens before all of the permanent teeth have emerged. This treatment takes place between the ages

of six and ten. The recommendation is to give more space for developing teeth, to correct crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits.

• Phase II treatment is comprehensive treatment for it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have appeared, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

2. How does orthodontic treatment work?

The steady and gentle pressure of the braces gradually moves teeth into their proper positions. The main components are brackets that are placed on your teeth and the arch wire that connects them. As arch wire is placed into the brackets, it

tries to return to its original shape. In doing so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

3. What is the duration of orthodontic treatment?

There is no specific length of time for orthodontic depends on a case to case basis. However, the average time is between one to two years. The actual time of treatment can be affected by several factors as rate of growth, severity of the

correction necessary and the patients cooperation. It includes: practicing good oral hygiene, keeping regular appointments and keeping your treatment time on schedule.

4. Are braces painful?

You will feel no pain as bands and brackets are placed on your teeth. You might feel soreness of your teeth once braces are placed and connected with the arch wire for one to four days. One to two weeks are needed to make your lips and

cheeks used to the braces on your teeth.

5. Will braces interfere with other activities as: sports? musical instrument? or even kissing?

Braces will not interfere with your sports activity provided you protect that smile by wearing a mouth guard when participating. Mouth guards are

inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Braces will not interfere playing musical instruments but during the initial period of adjustment, keep your braces covered with wax to prevent discomfort.

Kissing with braces on requires gentleness. Do not push lips hard together for it might cut inside your lips. Keep head movement slow so that your teeth wouldnt bump into each other. You can consider applying dental wax on your braces to

avoid cutting inside your teeth. Practice to be a great kisser.

Do you know that many celebrities got their Hollywood smile from braces? One of the most notable is Tom Cruise who wears clear braces proudly. You, too, can dazzle like a celebrity with that perfectly fitted braces.