Braces, also known as dental braces or orthodontic braces, are dental equipment that correct teeth problems, such as crookedness, misalignment, and crowding. Orthodontists specialize in fixing issues with teeth.
Braces have different parts, such as the bracket. The bracket has the base, slot, and wings. The slot contains the wire, and the wings provide a way to hold the wire in the slot with a tiny rubber band. The base attaches the bracket to the teeth. The band also provides a similar attachment as the bracket, but the wire glides into a tube. The tube enhances support for teeth, and the band around the tooth gives additional structural security and support.
They work at any age and help to improve smiles and tooth appearance. Before deciding to wear braces, consult a dentist on the fit, supply, and management when wearing them. It is essential to be precise.
How do Braces Work?
They function by slowly and gradually moving the teeth to a balanced straight posture. Orthodontists do this by applying light but consistent pressure, which changes both ligament and bone patterns in the mouth. People wear them for approximately six months, but it can go to 3 years in extreme cases.
A patient will choose their preferred type of braces, which could be removable, fixed to metal or transparent. Different types have varying benefits, prices, and characteristics. In the first appointment, the dentist takes tooth x-rays. Sometimes, tooth extraction occurs. The dentist takes a mold of both upper and lower sets of teeth, makes a computerized plan, then fits the braces. Braces need bonding to secure attachments. After that, they will feel tight for a few days, which can cause tooth tenderness. They get more comfortable as they move into their new location.
Adjustment of braces happens after about four weeks. When using aligners, an orthodontist fits a new set at each appointment. At the end of treatment, the results are excellent, and teeth manageable, and healthy.
Benefits of Braces
There’s several benefits that can show up when you get yourself some braces. Some of the benefits include:
- Oral Health Improvement - Having misaligned teeth can have far-reaching consequences. With crooked or crowded teeth, tight spaces form between teeth called food traps. Straighter teeth make it easier to floss and brush. They can protect against gum disease and cavities. Also, food digestion becomes better because of their proper alignment.
- Avoid Jawbone Complications - Misaligned teeth cause too much pressure on specific teeth when eating. It leads to jawbone erosion, which braces help to prevent.
- Boost Confidence - Braces improve people's smiles when teeth are in their correct position. This allows them to feel comfortable with showing their teeth.
- Speech Improvement - When teeth are lying backward or pushing too far forward, a lisp or additional speech issues may develop. Aligning the teeth improves speech problems fast.
- Eliminate Harmful Habits - Braces alleviate behaviors such as thumb sucking, lips biting, and pencil chewing. Also, orthodontists offer advice on avoiding sugary treats, which improves nutrition and oral health.
Adult Braces
Adult teeth can take more time to transfer into better positions, as compared to children's teeth. For adults, braces appearance is the primary concern. Adults want braces that are less noticeable by others. The length of wearing braces depends on what the problem is and the type one gets. It can go from 12 to 44 months. Each method has its pros and cons. The different types include:
- Self-ligating braces - The wire goes through a tiny metal clip that's on top of the bracket. The system removes the necessity for elastic bands for teeth movement.
- Lingual braces - The brackets are stuck to the posterior side of the tooth. They are great because they are invisible, and they function as quickly as typical braces. However, due to being custom-made, they cost more than other methods.
- Clear aligners - An example is Invisalign. They are see-through bits of custom-molded plastic that stay over the teeth to shift them gradually. They are removable to drink, eat, and clean them, which is very beneficial.
For tooth problems, it is great to consider getting braces for teeth alignment, support, and security. Braces are often used to fix malocclusions, open bites, overbites, crooked teeth, and jaw flaws. They also correct tooth gaps. Consulting with an orthodontist is crucial before installing braces for teeth assessment, bite checking, collecting x-rays and photos, then the recommendation of the best treatment methods. The cost and the quality of the braces are also vital.