In the past, braces were fairly simple. They were usually made up of plain silver metals, and patients didn't have much say in how they looked. Nowadays, getting braces is a fun and creative experience. The brackets that make up braces have elastic ligatures, or rubber bands, that come in all sorts of colors. Patients can choose anything they want from light, eye-catching colors to dark, discreet shades.
With so many options, deciding on a single color can be difficult. Ultimately, you want something that suits your unique personality while also making your teeth shine brighter. Let's take a closer look at the available colors and how to pick the right color for you.
When it comes to braces colors, the sky’s the limit. You'll find everything from white and clear elastic bands to striking black and brown bands. In between these two extremes are all the colors of the rainbow, from purple and blue to red and yellow. You can settle on a single color or combine a few — most patients choose between one and two colors.
Many orthodontists offer a color wheel to help patients imagine their braces. This tool shows all of the available colors and helps patients to see the differences between hues. If you're interested in blue braces, for example, the color wheel can help you pinpoint the exact shade of blue you're looking for.
If you're worried about picking the right braces color, you may be relieved to learn that it's just a temporary decision. Your orthodontist can change out the rubber bands during your adjustment appointment, which generally occurs every 8 to 12 weeks. If you find a color you really like, you can also ask for the same one each time.
There's no single answer to the question, "What color braces should I get?" Instead, the answer depends entirely on what you're looking for. Here are a few factors you could base your decision on.
1) Personal Preferences
The most straightforward way to choose a color is by simply selecting what you like. This could be your favorite color, a popular color combination, or something meaningful to you such as your school or alma mater colors. You should also consider the type of look you're trying to achieve. If you're going for an upbeat look, for example, stick with light, cheerful colors like pink, orange, or red. If you want a more laid-back vibe, cool colors like dark blue, lavender, and silver work well.
2) Seasonal Events/Themes
If you can't settle on a single color, consider changing things up based on the time of year. Are you trying to be festive this holiday season? Go for Christmas colors and get red and green rubber bands. Do you want to flaunt your spooky side for Halloween? Black and orange bands are the way to go. In addition to picking seasonal colors, you could adjust based on events in your life. If you have a sports game coming up, for example, you could pick bands that match your team's colors.
3) Physical Appearance
A great way to figure out the best color for you is by using your appearance. Start by picking a physical feature, then think about which colors go well with that feature. Here are a few starting points to base your braces color on:
A helpful way to identify a complementary color is by using a braces color wheel. Start by choosing a certain physical feature, then locate its color on the wheel. Once you've found it, go to the matching color on the opposite side of the wheel. Whatever this color is, it should accentuate your chosen feature. If your dentist does not have a traditional color wheel, you can find one online.
Along with considering your general physical appearance, it's important to think about the appearance of your teeth. A common question that many patients ask is: what color braces make my teeth look whiter? If you're interested in whiter teeth, a dark color is the way to go. Darker colors, such as navy blue, dark purple, and black, provide a nice contrast to the natural whiteness of your teeth. This will make your teeth seem even brighter than they are.
While some colors can help your teeth seem whiter, others can actually make your teeth look yellow. For example, clear and white braces can become discolored over time, causing a yellow appearance. Yellow and gold braces can look like stains or discoloration, so you probably want to avoid those colors.
Along with picking a good color, it's important to work with a reputable team. At Risas Dental, we always put patients first. Whether you're trying to make your teeth seem whiter or need advice on a color combination for your child, you can count on us for expert advice.
The most popular colors for braces vary depending on age and gender. Adults tend to go for more discreet options, like white and clear braces. On the other hand, children often pick colorful braces. Some prefer pink or light blue, while others choose darker colors like deep red and navy blue.
If you want to maintain a professional look, try to avoid braces colors that are too bright (such as hot pink or light purple). Many working adults opt for neutral colors, like silver or white. Dark tones also provide a professional look and have the added bonus of making your teeth look whiter.
While braces are usually the recommended option for children, adults may use an alternative, such as clear aligners. Unlike braces that use metal/porcelain, wires, and rubber bands, aligners are made of plastic. Customized to fit your mouth, they gently move teeth over time. As long as your teeth are not too crooked, aligners are generally a viable option. But because they don't use elastics, you can't change the color — they're always clear.
Answering the question "what color braces should I get?" is no easy feat. If you still need guidance, our teammates are happy to help! We'll walk you through your options, answer any questions, and recommend a color that best suits your needs. Our dedicated bilingual team, affordable plans, and patient-first mentality helps us stand out from the crowd.
While it's common knowledge that eating sugary foods can increase your risk of tooth decay, did you know that cavities are actually contagious? As strange as it may sound, the bacteria that cause cavities can be transmitted through saliva when people share food, drinks, and even kisses!
Our teammates at Risas Dental understand that this information can be a bit mind-blowing, but it's also pretty interesting. We've put together this informative guide that details the ins and outs of cavity transmission, along with some important preventative steps to take to boost your dental hygiene routine.
The science of cavity transmission is actually quite simple — your saliva can transmit cavity-causing bacteria to other people. People carry over 700 types of bacteria in their mouths that they can transmit to others through normal activities. Just like you can spread a cold or flu virus through saliva droplets when you cough, sneeze, or share eating utensils, you can do the same with cavities.
Believe it or not, all cavities are caused by bacteria. In fact, some dental professionals even refer to cavities as bacterial infections of the teeth. The human mouth contains many types of bacteria, but research has shown that Streptococcus mutans is the most common culprit for cavities. These bacteria live in dental plaque and can increase the risk of cavity development when it multiplies.
Consuming sugary foods can increase the risk of cavities because the bacteria in the mouth that break down sugars can create plaque acids. When the acids dissolve on the teeth, they can contribute to tooth decay. Smoking dries out the tissues in the mouth by reducing saliva production, which can put people at a higher risk for developing cavities.
The most common type of bacteria associated with cavities is Streptococcus mutans. This type of bacteria thrives when the foods you eat create a low pH balance in the saliva. It secretes acid, which sticks to the teeth and can cause mineral loss and cavities.
Bacteria are spread from person to person in several ways. If a person touches a contaminated surface and has bacteria on their hands, they can spread bacteria to others through touch. Sneezing and coughing can transmit saliva droplets to others through the air, and close contact such as kissing can transfer bacteria from one person to another.
Saliva is the single transmission mode of cavities. Kissing, sharing food and beverages, and eating from the same utensils can spread the bacteria that cause cavities. Saliva that sprays from the mouth when coughing or sneezing can also transmit cavity bacteria.
Cavities can be spread through saliva in a few ways. When a person has Streptococcus mutans bacteria in their saliva and kisses someone on the mouth, their saliva can transmit the bacteria to whomever they kiss. If someone takes a bite out of a hamburger or other hand-held food and another person takes a bite from the same food, cavity-causing bacteria can be transferred through saliva on the food. Sharing eating utensils and straws can also cause cavity bacteria in saliva to spread.
Most dental professionals warn against sharing toothbrushes and other oral hygiene tools. In addition to potentially spreading the bacteria that causes cavities through saliva, these tools can also transmit blood and contagious viruses.
Parents can pass cavities to their children through activities that transmit saliva. Kissing your little one on the mouth, sharing food, and even popping their pacifier in your mouth can create a risk of transmitting cavity-causing bacteria.
The main risk factor for cavity transmission is shared saliva. Mothers can transmit cavity bacteria in their saliva to their children by pre-chewing their infant's food, using the same toothbrush, and even cooling their food by blowing on it. Adults with active cavities can transmit bacteria through close contact.
Lifestyle factors that may contribute to cavity development include poor oral hygiene, sugary diets, acidic carbohydrates, and inadequate fluoride intake. Not only can fluoride help to prevent cavities, but it can also reverse them in some cases.
A lack of fluoride in drinking water is the most common environmental factor linked to the risk of cavities. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth less prone to cavity development. Children who drink water with little to no fluoride may form weaker enamel, which can affect the teeth's natural ability to re-mineralize.
The bacteria that cause cavities can be transmitted through smoking if a person with cavity-causing bacteria in their saliva shares a cigarette. The same goes for sharing food. If someone with cavity-causing bacteria in their saliva takes a bite of food and hands you their fork or spoon, you could "catch" a cavity.
Some studies have shown that areas where pollution is high have high cavity rates among children. Highly polluted areas may also increase the levels of toxic compounds in children's teeth. Scientific studies also suggest that drinking water containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) can contribute to cavity development. PFAs are chemicals that were once used to make nonstick cookware and other products.
If you think you might have a cavity or you're concerned about tooth decay in your teen or little one, our teammates at Risas Dental are happy to help. We "speak patient" to ensure clear communication and complete understanding of our dental services, and we treat adults, teens, and children. Schedule an appointment today.
Some research has shown that mothers can pass cavities onto their children through activities such as blowing on food and sharing eating utensils. This is due to the potential exchange of saliva that contains cavity-causing bacteria.
Kissing can sometimes lead to the transfer of cavity-causing bacteria. Since kissing sometimes involves an exchange of saliva, a person with cavity-causing bacteria in their saliva can unknowingly transfer bacteria to the person they kiss. Once inside the other person's mouth, the bacteria can colonize and lead to cavities.
Most dental professionals recommend against sharing toothbrushes with family members for a few reasons. Brushing your teeth can sometimes cause bleeding gums, especially in people with gum disease. Blood on the toothbrush can transfer into the next user's mouth. Also, viruses and bacteria can easily be transferred from person to person via shared toothbrushes.
In its early stages, a cavity might go unnoticed and not cause any physical symptoms. However, you may notice brown or black specks on the teeth that look like stains, and your teeth may have visible holes or "pits" in the enamel. As cavities progress, symptoms can include pain when biting down and tooth sensitivity.
If cavities go untreated, it can lead to further decay that makes its way into the tooth pulp. This can increase the risk of infection and inflammation, and the tooth may require root canal treatment.
A recent study by DentaVox showed a strong connection between your oral health and your love life. In this study, respondents with excellent oral health reported being the most pleased with their love lives. On the other hand, less than 40% of people with poor oral health reported being satisfied in their intimate relationships.
But this isn't the only study to show these results. Another study showed that 71% of women and 58% of men reported that a great smile was really important when picking a romantic partner. The bottom line? Your oral health can have a significant effect on your love life.
Knowing that a link between oral health and romantic relationships exists is one thing. But why is there a link? There are actually a few reasons that your oral health can affect your romantic relationships from bad breath to gum disease and beyond.
Having bad breath can affect your self-confidence, making it more challenging to be intimate with someone. It can also cause an intimate partner to be less attracted to you because they'll want to avoid things like kissing. Thankfully, there's an easy fix for bad breath.
Bad breath is primarily caused by the same bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent bad breath. Good oral hygiene habits are discussed more in-depth below.
Another cause of bad breath can be the foods you eat. For example, garlic is known to have a strong smell that affects your breath temporarily. If this is an issue, brush your teeth and use mouthwash to rinse away most (or all) of the strong smell.
Gum disease can be a mood killer, and not just because it can lead to bad breath. Gum disease can actually cause erectile dysfunction in men. This is because gum disease is associated with chronic inflammation, which can cause damage to certain cells in your body. These cells also happen to line the blood vessels in men's sexual organs. When these cells become damaged, it can result in impaired blood flow that affects your ability to get or maintain an erection.
Plus, did you know cavities are contagious? During kissing and other intimate activities, it's possible to spread the bacteria that cause tooth decay to your partner.
The good news is that there are ways you can improve or maintain good oral hygiene. You'll be significantly more confident and have a much happier love life as a result.
To improve or maintain good oral hygiene, you should be sure to:
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least 2 full minutes.
• Floss at least once daily.
• Use a mouthwash at least once daily.
• Get regular dental check-ups (at least once a year).
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Eat a balanced, healthy diet.
• Drink plenty of water.
You may also find it helpful to look into cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. These procedures can improve your smile and make you feel more confident. For example, braces can be used to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth. Professional whitening treatments can brighten smiles that are stained from coffee, smoking, or wine.
Conclusion
Maintaining good oral health is important for a happy love life. It prevents the spreading of bacteria to intimate partners and a great smile can make you feel more confident. If you're ready to talk to a dentist about more ways you can improve your oral health, schedule an appointment today.
Can oral health problems really affect your love life?
Yes, oral health problems can really affect your love life. For example, bad oral health can lead to erectile dysfunction, bad breath, and reduced confidence.
Is bad breath a deal-breaker in relationships?
For many people, yes. Thankfully, there are many ways you can deal with bad breath so it doesn't cause problems. To combat bad breath, keeping good daily oral hygiene practices is most important.
How can I tell if my partner has good oral hygiene?
If you've been in a relationship for a long time, you can tell your partner has good oral hygiene if they regularly brush and floss their teeth. A partner likely has good oral hygiene if their breath smells good and they have a bright white smile. Unfortunately, sometimes it's challenging to tell if your partner has good or bad oral hygiene.
What can I do if my partner has bad oral hygiene?
The best thing you can do is gently bring up the topic and educate your partner on good oral hygiene habits. Sometimes, bad oral hygiene is caused by a lack of knowledge.
Can kissing spread oral health problems?
Yes. Kissing can spread bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease.
Anyone who has braces knows that eating can be a challenge. The braces might feel uncomfortable, food can get caught in them, and — if you bite something too hard — the braces may break. With so many potential problems, you might be wondering: how do you safely eat with braces? In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about this topic from the foods you should eat to the foods you should avoid. Here's a closer look at our top tips and tricks.
Before we explore how to eat with braces, let's examine how braces work. Put simply, braces are an orthodontic treatment made up of brackets and wires. Designed to fix malocclusion (or crooked and crowded teeth), they work by gently placing pressure on the teeth and jaws. Over time, the teeth slowly move into the correct position. The ultimate goal is a straight, healthy smile.
While braces are commonly associated with adolescence, adults often need them as well. No matter how old the patient is, it's normal to experience some discomfort as teeth shift. To avoid hurting sensitive teeth, it's important to adjust your eating habits when using braces.
Eating with braces is no easy feat. In addition to dealing with extra sensitive teeth, you have to be careful not to damage the braces themselves. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:
Eat slowly. When you first get braces, chewing might seem difficult. Eating slowly can help minimize any discomfort.
Take small bites. Cut your food into small pieces. This will help you avoid stretching your jaw or chewing too much food at once.
Use your side teeth. If your front teeth are too sensitive, use your side teeth to chew instead.
Along with changing the way you eat, you should be mindful of the foods you're consuming.
What Can You Eat When You First Get Your Braces?
You can expect your teeth to be the most sensitive when you first get braces. For many people, it may feel impossible to put any pressure on the teeth without feeling uncomfortable. Thus, it's best to stick with room-temperature, soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow.
Soft foods are great for braces patients because they require minimal chewing. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Oatmeal. Oatmeal is a nutritious, filling snack or breakfast that's great for braces patients. Make it more flavorful by adding soft toppings such as sliced bananas.
Soup. There's no chewing involved in soup, which makes it one of the easiest foods to eat. Just be sure the temperature isn't too hot so you don't burn your mouth.
Mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes are extremely soft and require little chewing. They can work as either a main dish or a snack.
Pasta. If you're looking for a filling dinner that's easy to eat, pasta fits the bill. You can spruce it up by adding sauce and soft, boiled vegetables.
Yogurt. When it comes to soft snacks, yogurt takes the cake. Best of all, it comes in a bunch of different flavors that allow you to pick what you prefer.
As you get used to the braces, the discomfort will generally decrease. But for the first few days, you'll need to be extra careful.
Once your teeth become less sensitive, you can expand your diet. While you don't have to limit yourself to super soft foods, it's still a good idea to avoid anything that's too hard or chewy. Here are some of the best snacks for people with braces:
Ice cream. When you first get braces, ice cream may be too cold to eat. Once your teeth adjust to the braces, ice cream will once again become a delicious and easy-to-eat treat.
Bread. Soft bread is a delicious snack that won't interfere with your braces. You can elevate it by enjoying it with butter or olive oil.
Veggies and dip. If you're looking for a healthy snack that won't hurt your braces, vegetables are a good choice. Enjoy them steamed or grilled alongside hummus, ranch, or your favorite dip.
Cheese. Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese or string cheese, are a great snack for braces patients. You can eat them plain or with soft crackers.
Smoothies. Smoothies are an excellent way to increase your fruit intake while dealing with braces. If you don't care for smoothies, you can still enjoy fruit — just stick with softer options, like bananas, blueberries, and citrus fruits.
Due to their relatively soft textures, these snacks rarely trigger sensitivity or damage braces. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for other foods.
Braces may be strong enough to move your teeth, but that doesn't mean they're indestructible. Certain foods can get lodged in your braces, causing the wires or brackets to loosen. In some cases, they may even break an entire bracket. Here are a few foods you should not eat with braces:
Hard and sticky candy. Hard or sticky candies, such as lollipops and taffy, can get stuck in and damage your braces. If you're craving a sweet treat, try a healthy candy alternative such as Zollipops. They are safe for braces and sugar-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly.
Nuts and seeds. Because of their small size, nuts and seeds can quickly get stuck in braces. This can cause both wires and brackets to move.
Popcorn. As with nuts and seeds, it's very easy for popcorn kernels to get lodged in the wire of your braces. If they're not removed, they can lead to bleeding or swollen gums.
Hard snacks. Foods that are very hard (such as pretzels or certain chips) can exert lots of pressure on your braces, causing them to break.
If your braces become loose or damaged, Risas accepts orthodontics patients as walk-ins to ensure there are no wires sticking out that could cut you.
Getting braces doesn't mean you have to completely reinvent your diet. However, you will need to make some minor adjustments to avoid hurting your teeth and braces. These include consuming soft foods, avoiding hard and sticky substances, and eating more slowly. By changing your eating habits, you can help ensure your braces stay in good shape throughout the treatment. The sooner you complete treatment, the sooner you can enjoy your brand-new, bright smile.
Are you interested in learning more about braces? Whether you need braces yourself or want eating tips for your teenager, our team at Risas Dental is here to help. Schedule an appointment today!
There's no set answer to how long you have to stick with soft, room-temperature foods after getting braces. It depends on how comfortable your teeth are. Some people will consume soft foods for a few days, while others will limit their diet for a couple of weeks.
Eating with braces is difficult for two main reasons. First, the brackets apply pressure that makes your teeth more sensitive to harder, chewier foods. Second, the wires and brackets that make up the braces are vulnerable to breaking. This means you have to be extra careful to avoid hurting your teeth or braces.
You can eat any junk food that isn't too hard or sticky. Top options include ice cream, frozen yogurt, soft cookies, and chocolate. If you're looking for healthy junk food alternatives that are safe for braces, Zollipops are a great choice.
If you're not used to the sensation of braces, chewing may feel weird at first. It can also be uncomfortable because your teeth are shifting positions. However, this strange feeling should go away over time.
Looking for an option to improve your smile? Braces treatment is a common way to correct issues like tooth misalignment, crowding, and crooked teeth. At any given time, about 4 million people in the United States have braces.
Understanding the process of this orthodontic treatment before you or your kids get them can help you prepare. The length of the treatment with dental braces can vary.
Treatment plans for dental braces usually last 1 to 3 years. Correcting your teeth is a slow and gradual process because your teeth are attached to bones. The following factors can determine how long you need to wear braces.
Your dentist or orthodontist will set goals for the braces treatment based on how severe your orthodontic issues are. If you just have a few misaligned teeth, you won't likely have to wear braces as long as someone with severely crooked teeth. Fixing bite issues such as a crossbite or an underbite usually takes longer.
Early intervention can shorten the treatment time. Many issues are easier to treat at a younger age when the jaws are still growing and teeth are easier to manipulate. Adults who wear braces might have to undergo longer treatment.
Some types of orthodontics appliances work faster than others. Clear aligners that you can remove from your mouth usually have a shorter treatment time. That's often because they only work for minor orthodontic issues.
Metal braces usually take longer. They use metal brackets that are attached to your teeth with metal wires connecting them.
Timing isn't everything when it comes to choosing the right appliance. Even though aligners might shorten the treatment time, they might work well in all situations. Traditional metal braces might be necessary for severe corrections.
A proper treatment plan only works if you follow it. These tips help you stick to your treatment plan and possibly shorten the time you have to wear your braces.
Follow food recommendations: Some foods are off-limits during braces treatment. This includes anything that is sticky, hard, or might get stuck in your braces. Eating those foods can damage your braces and require a fix that could delay your treatment.
Go to all appointments: Regular appointments are important to keep the treatment progressing. Your orthodontist has to tighten the wires regularly to move your teeth with traditional braces. Aligner trays also have to be updated regularly to keep the teeth moving.
Handle routine oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly help keep your teeth in good condition. Having a cavity or other dental issues can prolong your treatment.
Follow directions: Listen to all instructions your orthodontist gives about using your orthodontic appliances. This includes when to replace elastics on traditional braces.
The following steps give you an idea of the time line for your braces treatment.
Your treatment starts with a comprehensive initial consultation. This allows your orthodontist to identify the issues that need to be corrected and create a treatment plan.
An incorrect diagnosis or poor treatment plan can require you to wear your braces longer. Things like how your orthodontist treats the issue and how often you have appointments to adjust the braces can impact the time line. Choosing a highly experienced orthodontics professional could get you faster and better results.
The orthodontist will perform a complete exam including X-rays and impressions of your teeth.
They'll come up with an ideal treatment plan and possibly some alternative options.
You decide which treatment plan you want to go with.
Some people need to have dental treatments done before getting braces such as tooth extractions or cavity fillings.
The active treatment phase usually lasts 1 to 3 years. This depends largely on your treatment plan. You might wear braces for a year or less if your corrections are minor. You might wear them closer to 3 years if you have a severe situation.
During this phase, you'll go to the orthodontist about every 10 to 12 weeks. The orthodontist tightens your wires during those appointments. You might need to replace the elastics that help create necessary pressure.
You'll typically need to wear a retainer full time for at least 2 to 3 months followed by wearing it only at night for the rest of your life. Other people might have to wear their retainers full time for longer.
You should follow the recommendations your orthodontist makes to ensure the effects of your braces last. After the braces are gone, your teeth can move back to their old positions. The retainer holds them in place to maintain the results of the braces.
Retainers can be fixed or removable. Fixed retainers are glued to the back side of your teeth and are usually only used on the front teeth. They can be more effective because you can't remove them or forget to wear them. Removable retainers are clear and go on all your teeth. These retainers can make it easier to clean your teeth because you can take them out. It's important to wear them regularly as directed for the best results.
Conclusion
It's difficult to give an exact time line for braces treatment because it depends on your situation. The severity of your orthodontic issue is one of the biggest factors. Your age and the type of braces can also impact the timing. How well you stick to the treatment plan is something that's within your control that can keep the treatment shorter.
If you're considering braces for yourself or your child, we can help. Learn more about our orthodontics services to get started.
You can expect the process to take 1 to 2 hours when you have your braces put on your teeth the first time.
You'll usually get your braces tightened once every 10 to 12 weeks during treatment. The timing could be shorter or longer depending on your treatment plan.
The time line for your braces treatment is specific to your situation. It usually can't be accelerated if you want to get the best results. You might be able to speed up the process slightly by following the treatment instructions exactly.
How long you wear your retainer varies based on the situation. It's common to wear the retainer all the time for 2 or 3 months or longer and then wear it only at night.
Not following your orthodontist's directions is the biggest reason for braces taking longer. This might include not using your appliances correctly, missing appointments, eating harmful foods, and not taking care of your teeth.
