Dental braces have long been a solution for achieving a straighter smile and better oral health. As one of the most common orthodontic treatments, braces help correct misaligned teeth, crowded mouths, and jaw issues.
While many people associate braces with adolescence, patients of all ages can benefit from this orthodontic treatment.
We will now delve into everything you need to know about dental braces, including how they work, types available, benefits, potential discomforts, and aftercare.
What Are Dental Braces?
Dental braces are orthodontic devices designed to correct dental issues such as crooked teeth, overcrowded mouths, and misaligned bites. Braces apply continuous pressure to teeth over time, gradually shifting them into the desired position. This process is slow but effective, ensuring that the teeth align properly and evenly.
The components of traditional dental braces include:
Brackets: These small, metal, ceramic, or clear devices are attached to the teeth using dental cement.
Archwire: A thin metal wire that runs through the brackets, guiding teeth into place.
Bands: Metal rings placed around the molars to provide additional support.
Elastics: Rubber bands that attach to the brackets to aid in bite correction.
How Do Braces Work?
Braces work by applying constant, gentle pressure on the teeth to move them into the correct position. The pressure loosens the tooth and the surrounding bone, allowing the tooth to shift. As the tooth moves, new bone forms in its place, stabilizing the tooth in its new position. This process, called “bone remodeling,” happens over time and is crucial for long-lasting results.
The exact mechanics vary depending on the issue being corrected:
Crooked teeth: Braces apply pressure on the teeth to move them into a straight line.
Overbite or underbite: Elastics may be used to pull the upper or lower teeth forward or backward.
Spacing or crowding issues: Braces adjust the positioning of the teeth so that gaps are closed or teeth have more room to align.
Types of Dental Braces
Today, there are several types of braces available, each with its own advantages and suitability for different patients. The most common types include:
a. Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type. They consist of metal brackets and wires, which are durable and effective in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues. Advances in technology have made metal braces smaller and more comfortable than in the past. However, they are the most noticeable type of braces.
b. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets. This makes them less noticeable, which is appealing to many adults and older teens. However, the ceramic material is more brittle and prone to staining if not properly cared for.
c. Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are attached to the back (tongue side) of the teeth rather than the front, making them virtually invisible from the outside. These braces are custom-made for each patient, but they can be more challenging to clean and may cause slight discomfort to the tongue due to their positioning.
d. Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign)
Clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional braces, especially for adults. These plastic, removable trays are custom-made to fit over your teeth and gradually move them into the correct position. Clear aligners are nearly invisible, easy to clean, and can be removed for eating and brushing. However, they may not be suitable for more severe orthodontic issues.
Who Needs Braces?
Braces are typically used to address a variety of dental issues, including:
Crooked or misaligned teeth: When teeth grow in at different angles or positions, braces help align them into a straight row.
Overcrowding: If there isn’t enough space for all of your teeth to fit properly, braces can create space and prevent issues like overlapping or crooked teeth.
Overbite or underbite: When the upper or lower teeth extend too far forward or backward, braces can correct these bite issues.
Crossbite: This occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside when the mouth is closed.
Gaps between teeth: Braces can help close gaps between teeth to create a more uniform smile.
Orthodontic treatment is most commonly recommended during childhood or adolescence when the teeth and jaw are still growing and more malleable. However, adults can also benefit from braces, and there is no age limit for achieving a healthier smile.
What to Expect When Getting Braces
The process of getting braces involves several steps, typically spread out over a period of months or even years:
a. Consultation
During your first appointment, the orthodontist will examine your teeth and mouth, take X-rays, and possibly make a mold of your teeth to assess the specific alignment issues. Based on this assessment, they will recommend a treatment plan and discuss the types of braces available.
b. Fitting Braces
Once you’ve decided on the type of braces, the orthodontist will attach the brackets to your teeth with a special adhesive, insert the archwire, and possibly use elastics or bands. This initial fitting can take 1-2 hours and may cause mild discomfort.
c. Adjustments
Every 4-8 weeks, you’ll need to visit your orthodontist for adjustments. During these visits, the archwire may be tightened, and new elastics may be applied. These adjustments are essential to maintaining the pressure on your teeth to move them into the correct position.
d. Removal
Once your teeth have moved into their desired positions, your braces will be removed, and a retainer will be fitted. Retainers are important to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Common Discomforts and Side Effects
It’s common to experience some discomfort when wearing braces, especially after the initial fitting and subsequent adjustments. The pressure applied to your teeth can cause soreness in the mouth, which usually subsides after a few days. Some common side effects include:
Mouth sores: Brackets and wires can rub against the inside of your mouth, causing sores. Orthodontic wax can be applied to the brackets to ease this irritation.
Difficulty eating: For the first few days after getting braces, you may experience difficulty chewing certain foods. Softer foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups are recommended until the soreness subsides.
Speech difficulties: Certain types of braces, especially lingual braces, may cause temporary speech impediments as your mouth adjusts.
Aftercare: Keeping Your Teeth Healthy During and After Braces
Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical while wearing braces. Food particles can easily get trapped in brackets and wires, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Here are some tips for keeping your teeth healthy during orthodontic treatment:
a. Brushing and Flossing
Brush after every meal: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around your brackets and wires.
Floss daily: Special floss threaders can help you floss between your teeth and under the wires.
b. Avoid Certain Foods
Certain foods can damage your braces or get stuck in them. Avoid sticky or chewy foods like gum and caramel, as well as hard foods like popcorn, nuts, and ice.
c. Wearing a Retainer
Once your braces are removed, wearing a retainer is crucial to maintaining the results. Retainers keep your teeth in their new position, preventing them from shifting back over time.
The Benefits of Braces
Braces not only improve the appearance of your smile but also offer several oral health benefits:
Improved bite alignment: Braces can correct issues like overbite, underbite, and crossbite, reducing wear on teeth and preventing jaw pain.
Easier oral hygiene: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Boosted confidence: A straighter smile can improve self-esteem and confidence in both social and professional settings.
Dental braces are a highly effective treatment for a variety of orthodontic issues, from crooked teeth to bite problems.
Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, understanding the process, the types of braces available, and how to care for them will help you make informed decisions and ensure successful results.
Prandelli Dental Clinic can attend to all your dental braces needs in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
