Q: Braces can correct crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites, for example. He or she can let you know what the best type of braces are for your particular problem. You have the options of visible, invisible, and nearly invisible braces.  Visible braces are the type of braces you probably think of when someone says "braces." These braces are brackets attached to the front of teeth and connected by metal wires. The brackets can be metal, plastic, or ceramic, and these braces are often cheaper than other types of braces. Visible braces are best for severe problems.  Nearly invisible braces are plastic trays that fit over your teeth. The main brand of this type of brace is Invisalign. Like retainers, you can take out these braces to eat, and they are are also not as painful as other braces. However, they don't work as well on severe problems, and you must wear them for at least 22 hours a day. These braces may be slightly more expensive than traditional braces.  Invisible braces attach behind the teeth, much as visible braces attach to the front of teeth. Each bracket is customized to your teeth, so it works faster; however, it can be difficult to adjust to these braces, such as making it harder to speak. Also, these are more expensive, as they are made from gold (this allows them to be customized to your teeth). Remember, most orthodontists do provide financing, so if you cannot afford to pay for the procedure all at once, you can make payments. Alternatively, you may want to get dental insurance, which can cover part of the procedure, though usually not all of it. and floss your teeth and braces. If you have elastics, take them out before brushing. With traditional braces, you need to brush both your teeth and the braces themselves to remove plaque and food. Once clean, put the elastics back on. Make sure you also floss and use an interdental toothbrush (with a bristle shaped like a pine tree), which allow you to clean around the brackets and between your teeth. Especially with traditional bracket braces, you need to avoid foods, such as hard foods (nuts, hard candies, etc.) and sticky foods (caramel, gum, etc.). You also need to cut up hard fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces.These foods can harm or break your braces. You should also avoid crunchy foods, such as chips, and acidic foods, such as sodas or vinegars. Since you can take invisible braces out to eat, these foods aren't as much of a problem, though acids on your teeth can still affect them. The orthodontist will adjust the braces as you go and be on the lookout for any problems. How long your braces are on depends on the severity of the problem. You'll be fitted for a retainer after having your braces removed. After your braces are removed, you must wear a retainer to help keep your teeth in line. The advice in the past was you needed to wear a retainer for a year after having braces, but now the advice is you may need to wear a retainer for much longer, though you may only wear it at night.
A: Use braces to correct major problems. Discuss your options with your orthodontist. Choose the braces you want. Have your orthodontist put in your choice. Brush Avoid certain foods. Visit the orthodontist on a regular schedule. Have them removed. Wear your retainer.

Q: Combine about two tablespoons of baking soda with about one tablespoon (15 milliliters) of water.  The mixture should not be too thin.  If it sloshes about in the bowl you mixed it in, add some more baking soda to help it achieve a more paste-like texture.  It also shouldn't be too thick.  If the mixture is thick and dry, and doesn't adhere well to the fork or spoon you use to mix it, add some water to thin it out. The more grout you have to clean, the more paste you'll need. The easiest way to apply the paste to the grout is with your finger.  Simply scoop a little dollop of the paste onto your finger tip and smear it in an even layer across the grout you wish to clean. In a spray bottle, combine water and vinegar in a one-to-one ratio.  For instance, you might combine 1.5 cups (354 milliliters) vinegar with 1.5 cups (354 milliliters) water. To prevent grout from accumulating grime in the shower, just spray this mixture onto the shower grout two or three times weekly after getting out of the shower. Point the nozzle of the spray bottle toward the baking soda paste you've smeared along the grout.  Squeeze the handle of the bottle.  Repeat as necessary until all of the paste has bubbled up somewhat. You may have to wait about five minutes for the vinegar and baking soda to react. Once the paste has become fizzy with the application of the vinegar mixture, use a stiff-bristled toothbrush to scrub the grout clean.  Use a toothbrush you aren't planning on using again for anything but detail cleaning. Once you've loosened the grime and grit along your grout, it should wipe away with ease.  Take a damp rag or paper towel and wipe it along the grout you've cleaned.  Wipe the area along the edges of the grout, too, to soak up any of the lingering water/vinegar. If you want to give your floor an additional level of shine, mop the whole thing after you're done.
A:
Make a baking soda paste. Apply the paste to the grout. Mix water and vinegar. Spray the mixture onto the paste. Scrub the grout. Wipe the grout.