
Dental Braces
What are Dental Braces?
Dental braces are used by dentists in orthodontic treatment for many reasons. One of their most common uses, however, is in the correction of crooked teeth or a bad “bite”.
Malocclusion refers to when the teeth of the two jaws are poorly aligned and may be protruding over one. While for some individuals, the problem may seem merely cosmetic and not problematic in a pathological sense, among others, malocclusion may causes pain and difficulty in chewing or even speaking. Malocclusion may run in families or may result from injury to the teeth, thumb sucking or loss of tooth.
Wearing a brace to correct malocclusion and decrease the crookedness of teeth as well as the excess space between them often results in better oral health. The realigned teeth are easier to clean as are the gums, so the risk of problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis or even tooth loss is reduced.
Available in two forms, braces may be either fixed and worn at all times apart from when they are removed by a dentist or removable, in which case the patient can take them out if they want to.
What are procedure for applying dental braces?
The way in which braces should be applied is usually determined by a dentist, who assesses the teeth state.
There are usually three basic phases of treatment for misaligned teeth:
- The initial placement of the braces: Brackets are attached to teeth along with an arch wire and sometimes ring-like bands to hold the braces in place.
- The brace is adjusted periodically until the desired alignment is achieved. The mouth may feel sore for a few days after an adjustment or tightening.
- A retainer is worn after removal of braces to stabilize the teeth.
How do dental braces work?
Dental braces use mild, constant pressure to shift your teeth into their proper positions over time. The exact way this happens depends on the type of braces you choose.
What are the benefits of dental braces?
The most obvious benefits of braces is a straighter, more beautiful smile. But braces can also:
- Make your teeth easier to clean.
- Help prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Correct temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Restore proper functions like chewing and speaking.
In short, braces can improve the health, function and appearance of your smile.
What are the types of dental braces?
There are several different types of braces. The type that’s best for you depends on a few factors, including the kind of issue you have, the severity of condition and your personal preferences.
1. Metal Braces : When you think of dental braces, traditional metal braces might be what you imagine. Metal braces use stainless steel bands, brackets and wires to gently shift teeth over time.
A dentist or orthodontist will bond a bracket on each tooth, then place a thin, flexible archwire over the brackets. Tiny elastic bands called ligatures keep the wire firmly in place.
Metal braces are visible when you smile. You can choose clear or tooth-colored ligatures to make your braces less noticeable. Or, if you’re feeling festive, you can choose brightly colored ligatures.
2. Ceramic Braces : Sometimes called clear braces — work the same way as metal braces. The key difference is that the brackets, wires and ligatures are tooth-colored, so they blend in with your smile. Ceramic braces are still visible, but they’re less noticeable. One drawback to ceramic braces is that they’re more fragile than metal braces, so they’re more likely to break.
3. Lingual Braces : are similar to traditional braces. But they go on the back surfaces of your teeth instead of the front. Most people who choose lingual braces do so because they don’t want other people to be able to tell they have braces.
4. Self-ligating Braces : look similar to traditional metal braces. The main difference is that, instead of ligatures (tiny elastic bands), self-ligating braces use a built-in system to hold the archwire in place.
5. Clear aligners : Sometimes called “invisible braces,” clear aligners are a braces alternative. Instead of brackets and wires, clear aligners use a series of custom-made trays to straighten your teeth over time.
FAQs
You’re never too old for orthodontics. That said, the best time for dental braces is generally between the ages of 9 and 14. At this point, your jaws and facial bones are more malleable (flexible) because they’re still developing.
Yes, you can chew sugarless gum. Be sure to shop for brands that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Yes, there are several products on the market that make flossing with braces easier, including:
- Floss threaders.
- Dental picks.
- Orthodontic flossers.
- Interproximal brushes (tiny brushes that fit between your teeth).
- Water flossers.
Ask your dentist or orthodontist for product recommendations.