INTRODUCTION

Dental braces, also known as orthodontic cases, are devices used in orthodontics to straighten and align teeth. These appliances are bonded to the tooth surfaces using cement and secured with wires and elastics made of titanium, stainless steel, or copper-nickel. The purpose of dental braces is to correct misaligned teeth, providing both aesthetic and functional improvements to the position of the teeth.

TYPES OF BRACES

There are different types of braces available, and the most suitable type for you will depend on several factors, such as personal preference, the severity of your condition, and the specific issue you are facing. For instance:

  • Metal Braces : These are the traditional braces made of stainless steel bands, brackets, and wires.
  • Ceramic Braces : These braces consist of brackets, wires, and ligatures that match the color of your teeth, making them less noticeable than metal braces. However, ceramic braces are more prone to breakage.
  • Lingual Braces : These braces resemble traditional braces, but they are attached to the inner surface of the teeth, making them invisible from the outside. 
  • Clear Aligners : These are custom-made trays that fit over your teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired position. Clear aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed when eating or brushing your teeth.

DENTAL BRACES TREATMENT PROCEDURE

If your dentist determines that you need braces, they will start by conducting a thorough intraoral examination, taking X-rays and molds to evaluate your condition. Then, the brackets will be attached to your teeth using cement and secured with wires or bands. The fitting process may require multiple appointments, and the braces will need to be adjusted regularly until the desired alignment is achieved. Regular visits to the dentist are essential to ensure the success of your treatment.

INDICATIONS/WHO MIGHT REQUIRE BRACES

Dentists typically recommend braces to correct facial appearance or any malocclusion (improper positioning of teeth), such as:

  1. Underbite
  2. Spacing between teeth
  3. Crooked teeth
  4. Crowded teeth
  5. Teeth that protrude forward
  6. Deep bite
  7. Backward-placed teeth
  8. Spaces due to missing teeth from birth
  9. Many other complex conditions.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE FOR BRACES?

Patients can choose orthodontic treatment at any stage of life. However, it is recommended to place braces between the ages of 10 and 14 when the head and jaw bones are still developing and teeth are more responsive to alignment. Early orthodontic treatment is preferred to address any irregularities in the bite.

HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE?

  • The duration of orthodontic treatment or dental braces treatment can vary from patient to patient.
  • It takes approximately 12 to 36 months to complete the treatment. The duration can be influenced by factors such as age, severity of the condition, and teeth alignment.
  • Patients must visit the orthodontist regularly for check-ups and adjustments as part of the treatment.
  • As advised by the dentist, these visits are recommended to be scheduled monthly or once every 2 to 3 weeks.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN ORAL HYGIENE WITH BRACES?

Maintaining oral hygiene with braces can be tricky, so it is essential to establish good oral hygiene practices from the beginning of your braces journey.

  • Ensure you brush your teeth twice daily and rinse your mouth after each meal.
  • Utilizing inter dental brushes can aid in achieving a more thorough clean.
  • Additionally, incorporating a mouthwash into your routine can be beneficial.
  • It is advisable to avoid sticky foods as they can adhere to the braces and make cleaning more difficult.

FOODS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED WITH BRACES

  • It is advisable to avoid consuming hard foods such as apples, pineapple, chips, and crispy fried meat while wearing braces, as they can damage the brackets.
  • Avoid aerated drinks like Pepsi and Soda, as they may cause discoloration of the teeth.
  • Sticky foods like sticky candies, gums, popcorn, and jellybeans should be avoided, as they can make the cleaning process challenging by sticking to the braces.

SIDE EFFECTS OF BRACES

  • Temporary discomfort and pain are common, especially on the first day and after monthly wire adjustments.
  • Irritation on the tongue, lips, or inner cheeks may occur.
  • Jaw pain may be experienced.
  • Difficulty eating, particularly after tightening, can be a side effect.
  • Cheek bite and ulcers may also occur.

DO WE HAVE TO WEAR RETAINERS AFTER BRACES?

In most cases, it is crucial to wear retainers after braces. Following the removal of braces, it is necessary to wear them consistently all day for at least six months. This practice aids in maintaining the newly aligned teeth while the surrounding bone adjusts and hardens to its new position. Subsequently, after the first six months, wearing retainers every night is sufficient.

DO BRACES HURT?

Adapting to wearing braces can take a few weeks and may cause discomfort, jaw pain, and challenges with eating

  • The main purpose of braces is to align your teeth, which can cause some initial discomfort. However, any pain or discomfort related to braces is usually temporary during the first few weeks.
  • Some individuals may experience tenderness after routine adjustments, but pain is generally a sign that your aligners are effectively adjusting your teeth over time.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage most of these side effects. If you experience any irritation inside your mouth, your dentist can provide you with dental wax for braces to help alleviate it.

WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE FOR DENTAL BRACES?

  • The success rate of braces treatment is approximately 96%. This means that 96% of patients who undergo treatment with braces achieve their desired outcomes and express complete satisfaction with the treatment.
  • However, several factors influence the success rate of the treatment, including patient compliance with the treatment plan and regular check-ups with the orthodontist.
  • It is important to note that each patient is unique, and the results may vary depending on the severity of the condition being treated.

BENEFITS OF DENTAL BRACES

Braces offer numerous benefits, the foremost being the achievement of straighter teeth and a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

  • However, they also serve other important purposes, such as restoring proper functioning in terms of speech and chewing.
  • Braces can effectively address TMJ disorders and correct malocclusion.
  • Additionally, they aid in improving oral hygiene by facilitating better cleaning, which helps prevent the formation of calculus and cavities.

Top Hospitals for Dental Braces

FAQ's Related to Dental Braces

A.
Pre-adolescent age is the right age for your child to get braces (10 -14 years of age) as it is the growing age it makes it easier to adjust their jaw and/or teeth along with shifting the teeth to the desired position by the time they are adults.

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Dental braces treatment time exclusively depends on the specific individual’s condition. Ideally it may take anywhere between 12 -24 months to complete your orthodontic treatment.

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The different types of braces available are metallic braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and self ligating braces.The type that best suits you depends on your personal preference along with factors such as your orthodontic issue,and severity of the condition.

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Yes, dental braces can cause pain and pressure although this is temporary, You may experience pain when your orthodontist first fits the braces and after regular brace tightening.

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Managing your oral hygiene is a bit challenging with braces but it is important to take extra care which includes brushing twice a day, rinsing after every meal, flossing daily, using special tools such as inter-dental brushes and avoiding sticky food.

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Braces can effectively address various types of orthodontic and cosmetic concerns. So you may opt for dental braces if you notice signs like teeth crowding, difficulty in chewing, when teeth don’t meet on either side, gaps between the teeth, protrusion of the front or lower teeth and several others.

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The procedure of putting braces on might take anywhere between 60 - 120 minutes or even less if the orthodontist prefers to bond one arch at a time in different sittings.

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Yes, Dental braces hold certain long-term side effects which may include root resorption, bone loss, permanent teeth staining, recession, and others. It is important to understand that these side effects are not necessarily seen in everyone.

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Dental braces moves your teeth by constantly exerting pressure which it turn stimulates the jaw bone gradually changing the shape of the jaw allowing the teeth to shift to the ideal position.

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It is important to be aware that pain and discomfort following your dental braces treatment is short term. While you can take over the counter medications, drink cold ice water, eat soft food, use orthodontic wax to alleviate the pain, Just be patient with your new braces during your adjustment period.

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Dental braces can have a huge impact on your oral health and smile. They will enhance your appearance, fix your bite, improve speech, help with TMJ disorders, boost Self-Esteem and correct malocclusion.

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You can see movement of the teeth within 4 to 6 weeks after you get your braces, although your actual or final results may take 12- 24 months of braces treatment.

A.
Yes, You should ideally adjust your braces once in every 4- 6 weeks. This regular adjustment is a vital aspect of the treatment which allows your orthodontist to ensure if the pressure is applied correctly and to observe if the teeth are moving in the right direction.