What are Orthodontic Braces?

Orthodontic braces, commonly called teeth braces, are metal brackets and wires that are commonly used to correct the alignment of teeth and proper bite to improve oral health.

Nowadays, ceramic braces for teeth can also be used.

Indications

• Class I, II (prominent front teeth) and III malocclusions (prominent chin)

• Overbites, under bites, cross bites, open bites, deep bites

• Crooked teeth, misplaced tooth

• Diastema (space in between your front tooth)

• Space closure

Advantages

• Aligns the teeth

• Helps correct bite problems (malocclusion)

• Prevents temporomandibular joint disorder

• More confident

• Gives patients the perfect smile they desire

Disadvantages

• At first patients will experience mouth sores and difficulty in speech, however, this will lessen as the patient get used to the braces

• The duration of the patient to wear braces will last 6 months to 4 years (case to case basis). On an average, most patients wear their braces up to 2 years.

• Plaque is the most common problem for patients with braces because of the difficulty of cleaning food particles

• Patients with poor oral hygiene can lead to gum problems and tooth decay.

Types of Braces

• Traditional metal braces (stainless steel) most commonly used

• Clear braces/ceramic braces-less conspicuous

• Gold plates stainless steel braces

• Lingual braces-bonded at the back of the teeth making them invisible to other people

• Titanium braces-more expensive than stainless steel

• Self-Ligating Braces/Damon-faster treatment, fewer appointments
• Invisalign or clear removable teeth aligners

Procedure

The dentist will cement the brackets/ braces to the teeth and places an arch wire onto the brackets and elastic bands are tied to each bracket to hold the arch wire.

 

This whole process will last at least 2-3 hours. After placement of the brackets, patients are appointed to comeback every 3 to 4 weeks for adjustment of wires and elastics, which will take only at least 20 to 30 minutes.

Materials

For diagnosis purposes: study cast, panoramic x-ray, cephalometric x-ray, and oral and facial photographs. This also includes brackets, arch wire, cement, etchant, bonding agent, elastics and orthodontic instruments.

Time Span

• The duration of the patient to wear braces will last 6 months to 4 years (case to case basis). On an average, most patients wear their braces up to 2 years.

Post Treatment

• avoid hard and sticky foods this will loosen, bend and break the wire and brackets

• practice good oral hygiene (brush, floss and mouth rinse) to prevent any oral complications

• if any appliances irritate your gums, place a small piece of orthodontic wax over the appliance, this will disappear within a couple of days

• you may experience a little pain in your teeth as they begin to move. Generally last 2-3 days. You may take a pain reliever to release discomfort

• if a bracket breaks or loosens, don’t panic. We can always schedule it in your next visit. If you are experiencing any discomfort, please call us immediately.

Follow Up

• Needs monthly check up and orthodontic adjustment.