Braces (Metallic or Tooth Colored Ceramic)
Orthodontic braces, often referred to simply as braces, are
orthodontic devices used to correct misaligned or crooked teeth and improve a
person's bite. They are composed of several components and work by applying
continuous pressure on the teeth, which gradually moves them into the desired
position. Braces are commonly used to treat various orthodontic issues,
including:
Crooked Teeth: Braces can straighten teeth that are
misaligned or overlapping.
Malocclusions: Braces can correct bite problems, such as
overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
Gaps: They can close gaps or spaces between teeth.
Crowded Teeth: Braces can create space for crowded teeth to
align properly.
Here are the main components of orthodontic braces:
Brackets: Small, square-shaped attachments that are glued to
the teeth. Brackets can be made from metal, ceramic, or plastic.
Bands: Metal rings that are placed around the molars and
serve as anchors for the braces.
Archwires: Thin, metal wires that connect the brackets and
provide the necessary pressure to move the teeth.
Elastics: Rubber bands that connect the upper and lower
archwires to adjust the bite and alignment.
The process of getting braces typically involves the
following steps:
Consultation: Your orthodontist will evaluate your oral
health, take X-rays, and create a treatment plan based on your specific needs.
Placement: The brackets are attached to your teeth using a
special adhesive, and bands are placed around your molars. Archwires are
threaded through the brackets, and any necessary elastics are attached.
Adjustments: You'll need periodic appointments with your
orthodontist to have your braces adjusted. This involves tightening or
replacing archwires and making other necessary modifications to continue moving
your teeth into their desired positions.
Oral Care: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial while
wearing braces. Special brushes, floss threaders, and rinses can help keep your
teeth and braces clean.
Duration: The length of time you wear braces varies
depending on the complexity of your orthodontic issues. It can range from
several months to a few years.
Removal: Once your orthodontist determines that your teeth
are in the correct position, your braces will be removed. You'll then need to
wear a retainer to maintain your new smile and prevent teeth from shifting.
Orthodontic braces have evolved over the years, and there
are now more discreet options available, such as clear braces, lingual braces
(placed on the back of the teeth), and aligners like Invisalign, which are
removable and nearly invisible. The choice of braces depends on your
orthodontic needs, personal preferences, and your orthodontist's
recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that is officially known as Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. The purpose of orthodontics is to treat any type of malocclusion, which is simply another way of saying "bad bite". When you have a maloclusion, that means your teeth, lips and/or jaws don't line up the way they should. As a result, your teeth may be crooked, your bite may not work correctly and your jaws may look unbalanced. To fix bad bites, orthodontists - dentists who are specially trained - use braces and other corrective procedures, including materials often called "appliances," to achieve tooth and jaw alignment. This correction of the teeth and their supportive structures makes for a healthy, attractive smile.
Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Examples of these genetic problems are crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth and some jaw growth problems. Other malocclusions are acquired. In other words, they develop over time. They can be caused by thumb or finger sucking, mouth breathing, dental, disease, abnormal swallowing, poor nutrituion, or some medical problems. Sometimes, an inherited malocclusion is complicated by an acquired problem. But, whatever the cause, an orthodontist is usually able to treat most conditions successfully.
Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. Such problems can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. A bad bite can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing and / or speaking, excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue, and possible jaw joint problems. Then there's the emotional side of an unattractive smile. When you're not confident in the way you look, your self-esteem suffers. Children and adults whose malocclusions are left untreated may go through life feeling self- conscious, hiding their smiles with tight lips or a protective hand. Finally, without treatment, many problems become worse. Orthodontic treatment to correct a problem may prove less costly than the additional dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop in later years.
When most people think of orthodontics, they think of teenagers. And the fact is, most orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of 9 and 14, however, by age 7, most children have a mix of adult and baby teeth. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. That's important, because some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they're found early. For these reasons, the american association of orthodontists recommends that your child get an orthodontic check up no later than age 7. While your child's teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect. Of course, the check up may reveal that your child's bite is fine, and that can be comforting news.
First and foremost, orthodontic treatment involves the patient. To achieve the desired results, the patient must diligently follow the orthodontist's instructions about wearing orthodontic appliances and practice good dental hygiene. With braces, certain foods, like peanut brittle, caramels and bubble gum are off limits as its chewing ice. The orthodontist provides custom made braces, retainers or other corrective appliances, according to the problem being treated. Whether they're removable or "fixed " into the mouth, whether they're made of metal, ceramic or plastic, all orthodontic appliances have a common purpose to use gentle pressure to move teeth and jaws into their proper positions. Today's patients benefits from techniques and materials that enhance the comfort of orthodontic treatment.
Although every case is different, generally speaking, patients wear braces from one to three years. Treatment times vary with factors that include the severity of the problem being corrected and how well the patient follows the orthodontist's instructions. Patients who brush and floss thoroughly and regularly; avoid hard and sticky foods; wear their rubber bands and/or headgear as instructed; and keep their appointments usually finish treatment on-time with good results. After the braces are removed, most patients wear a retainer for some time to keep or "retain" the teeth in their new positions. The orthodontist will determine how long the retainer needs to be worn. Most patients remain under the orthodontist's supervision during the retention phase to ensure that the teeth stay properly aligned.
Most orthodontic patients experience some discomfort the first few days after their braces are put on, and right after the braces are tightened. After one week they usually get used to them. You can use common pain reliever to ease the discomfort.
Although every case is different, generally speaking, patients wear braces from one to three years. Treatment times vary with factors that include the severity of the problem being corrected and how well the patient follows the orthodontist's instructions. Patients who brush and floss thoroughly and regularly; avoid hard and sticky foods; wear their rubber bands and/or headgear as instructed; and keep their appointments usually finish treatment on-time with good results. After the braces are removed, most patients wear a retainer for some time to keep or"retain" the teeth in their new positions. The orthodontist will determine how long the retainer needs to be worn. Most patients remain under the orthodontist's supervision during the retention phase to ensure that the teeth stay properly aligned.
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age, however, many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications.
Most risks relate to the health of your gums and bones before treatment and your oral hygiene during treatment. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for successfuly orthodontic treatment.
There are many possible reasons and following are the most common ones: Not enough space for your permanant teeth. Teeth did not erupt into the mouth according to a specific time frame. Teeth may be missing. You may have an extra tooth. Teeth are too big or too small for your jaw. Bad habits such as thum sucking, breathing through your mouth or press tongue against your front teeth. Accidental loss of teeth.
Most conditions do not improvee without treatment. In fact, they usually become worse. Again, your specific conditions can only be determined by consultation with and orthodontist. There are enough foods available that do not require much chewing. However, with crooked and bad bite, it will be much harder to brush and clean your teeth. This could lead to more tooth decay, swollen and bleeding gums and bad breath. It may also affect the way you talk, swallow and your jaw as well as your smile. The benefits of bening able to chew your food and having straight teeth, a healthy mouth, an attractive smile and the long term benefit to your gum, teeth, jaw and your personality would seem to be worth the time and effort.
A retainer is removable wire and plastic appliance. It is worn after your braces have been removed. Even though your teeth are straight and where they should be, the size may not be firmly set in place. A retainer holds the teeth in place while the size hardens. The retainer can be taken out when you eat but otherwise you should wear it as instructed by your orthodontist.
It all depends on your teeth. Your orthodontist will be able to tell you how long you need to wear a retainer.
These spaces will be made use to correct the crowding and severe bad bite. At the end of treatment, there should not be any spaces
