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Dental Implants: A Guide for Seniors

If you are a senior considering dental implants, you may have to worry about issues other dental patients don't have to think about. For example, you may need more time to recover after receiving your implants. My name is Jodi, and I've been working with seniors for years. I decided to create this blog to help the seniors I can't meet in person. In this space, I'm going to post entries on everything related to dental implants and seniors. From tips on flossing implants after arthritis has claimed some of your dexterity, to guiding you through the implants-vs-dentures debate, this blog is designed for you. Thanks for reading. I hope you find what you need!

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Dental Implants: A Guide for Seniors

Why Have Plastic Braces?

by Jimmy Carter

Braces can be used to straighten your teeth. There are two types of braces that are available: metal and plastic. They can be used to treat various issues with teeth alignment, including overbite, underbite, crowded teeth and gaps between teeth. Plastic braces are a relatively new creation that are an excellent alternative to metal braces.

How it works

Firstly, your teeth will need to be examined. Your dentist will capture an image of your teeth and use computer software to create a three-dimensional image of your teeth. This image is used to examine how much force is needed against each tooth to straighten your teeth. The brace is custom-made for the size and shape of your teeth, and the quality is examined before you are given them. Once the brace is made, your dentist will assess how well they fit and plan your future treatment.

How to use them

Plastic braces are removable, you need to wear them for the majority of the day, but you can remove them for a small amount of time each day. You can remove them to eat which means that you can eat comfortably and brush your teeth without having to brush around a brace. They need to be cleaned with water and a toothbrush each night. Plastic braces require fewer check-ups than metal braces.

The benefits

Unlike metal braces, plastic braces do not catch as much food or make it difficult to eat particular foods. Due to the lack of brackets and wires in the structure of a plastic brace, there is less risk of your brace breaking. As plastic braces are removable, they can be taken out to play sports which means that there is not a risk of damage to the brace if a ball hits your face.

The lower risk of broken braces means less cost as they will not need to be repaired and less time spent visiting your dentist. Plastic braces have a clear colour, so they are more aesthetically pleasing than metal braces. Plastic braces are no less effective at straightening your teeth and treating dental conditions than metal braces. Plastic braces show a colour when they haven't been cleaned so you won't forget to clean them when needed.

Cost

Plastic braces can be more expensive than metal braces, but the exact price depends on the extent of the misalignment of your teeth, how long you need the brace for and where you get the brace from. A plastic brace may be covered by your dental insurance.

For more information on Invisalign braces, contact your local dental office. 

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