How complex is the dental issue you’re facing? What do you hope to achieve by wearing braces? Is it important for you that the braces are discreet, or are you looking for the fastest and most effective solution?
The expert who can best recommend the ideal type of treatment based on your goals and current dental condition is an orthodontist, a dentist specialized in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws, as well as enhancing the aesthetics of your smile and facial appearance.
Although orthodontic treatment significantly impacts facial aesthetics, its primary goal is always to prolong the lifespan of the teeth. Whether it concerns a child’s jaw or an adult’s, properly aligned teeth better withstand the forces of chewing, which is why orthodontic therapy is recommended for everyone.
In fact, anyone who wants a more attractive smile and improved chewing function can benefit from braces. The specific type of appliance, however, depends on various factors.
What problems can braces correct?
Orthodontic treatment is used to address a variety of issues, including:
A timely visit to the orthodontist is especially important for children to monitor jaw growth and development, and to intervene early in cases of anomalies, such as forced bites or harmful oral habits.
What are different types of braces?
There are different types of orthodontic braces, and the choice of treatment method depends on various factors, including the patient’s age and the complexity of the anomaly to be corrected.
Removable braces are intended for growing patients. They guide jaw growth and preserve space for permanent teeth.
Fixed braces consist of brackets bonded to the teeth and a wire that connects them. Brackets can be metal or ceramic (transparent).
Clear Aligners are a modern type of removable braces, similar to trays, made from transparent plastic.
When to choose fixed vs. removable braces?
Removable braces are generally recommended for children, for example, when there is a step between the upper and lower jaws, a deep bite, or a front tooth positioned in a reverse bite.
In some cases, the anomaly can be fully corrected with removable braces therapy, but in certain situations, fixed orthodontic treatment may be needed after the removable phase. Fixed braces are the best choice when complex tooth movements are required.
It is important to note that fixed brace therapy is only possible once the teeth are fully developed—that is, when growth has stopped and dental development is complete.
What is the ideal time to start wearing braces?
For children, the ideal age for the first orthodontic evaluation is around seven to eight years old, while most removable braces therapies begin around the age of ten. The exact timing of treatment depends on the type of anomaly, the maturity of the teeth, and the child’s cooperation.
The start of fixed orthodontic treatment is recommended only once the growth and development of the permanent tooth roots are complete, which can vary from child to child. In some anomalies, the start of fixed therapy should be delayed until closer to the time when jaw growth is finished, usually around the age of sixteen.
For adults, there is no ideal age to begin therapy.
Any moment when a patient decides to improve their smile and bite, regardless of age, is a good time to start treatment.
What does the process of placing and wearing braces look like?
The process of creating, placing, and wearing braces is specific to each type of orthodontic treatment.
Fixed Braces
Placing fixed braces takes approximately half an hour. The teeth are first prepared for the brackets and coated with special acidic components. Then, a liquid adhesive is applied, and the brackets are bonded to each tooth. Once the brackets are in place, the wire is threaded through them.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled every six to eight weeks, depending on the stage of treatment. Therapy usually lasts two to three years, depending on the initial dental anomaly.
Removable Braces
Creating removable braces requires several visits to the orthodontist. After scanning the patient’s jaw, a model is made on which the orthodontist designs the correct bite. The template is then tried on the patient, adjustments are made if necessary, and based on this, the final appliance is manufactured.
Removable braces should be worn 14 to 16 hours per day, with follow-up appointments every 10 to 12 weeks.
Clear Aligners
After scanning the jaw and taking photographs of the patient, tooth movement is planned using specialized software, followed by a simulation that introduces the patient to the details of the treatment.
The production of the aligners takes about two to three weeks. When the aligners are delivered to the patient, attachments are bonded to the teeth (small bumps or ridges made from composite material), and stripping is performed if necessary (a nearly imperceptible and completely safe reshaping of the teeth to allow proper alignment). The first set of aligners is then tried on to ensure a proper fit.
When it comes to clear aligners, check-ups are generally less frequent than with fixed braces. Aligners are replaced every week, and it is recommended to wear them 22 hours a day, essentially all the time except while eating.
Can I wear braces if I’m missing a tooth?
Every orthodontic treatment has its own indication, and each type of appliance has advantages and disadvantages depending on the anomaly being treated.
If the issue is hypodontia (a congenital missing tooth) or a tooth is missing due to extraction, the most effective form of therapy is usually a fixed brace, often combined with prosthetics or aesthetic tooth reconstruction.
How to care for your orthodontic appliance?
Regardless of the type of orthodontic treatment, it is especially important to maintain good oral hygiene. For removable braces and clear aligners, you should also take care of the appliance itself.
Removable braces should be cleaned with water, a toothbrush, and toothpaste every time they are taken out of the mouth and stored in their designated case. If tartar builds up on the appliance, deposits can be removed using Corega tablets.
When it comes to fixed braces, in addition to maintaining regular oral hygiene, which includes using interdental brushes to remove plaque and any leftover food particles, it’s also important to adjust your diet during treatment. To protect the brackets and ensure the treatment progresses smoothly, you should avoid biting into hard or chewy foods with your front teeth and stay away from sticky foods such as candy, popcorn, and other snacks. It is recommended to cut all food into smaller pieces and chew gently with your back teeth.
If you are using clear aligners, it is very important to note that they should not be cleaned with hot water, and you should be careful not to consume very hot drinks, as clear aligners are made from a special type of plastic that can deform under heat. You should also avoid cleaning them with alcohol or other harsh cleaning agents. Clean your aligners using a toothbrush and cold water.
How to keep your teeth in alignment after removing braces?
After orthodontic treatment, which can last several years, everyone wants to maintain the results achieved. This is where a retainer comes in—a clear, removable device made based on a scan of your dental arches at the end of your orthodontic treatment. How long you will need to wear the retainer depends on the type of initial dental irregularity, and your orthodontist will provide detailed instructions during your regular check-ups.
In certain clinical situations, such as when a diastema (an increased gap between teeth) is present before treatment begins, an additional fixed retainer is placed alongside the removable one. This involves a thin, special wire bonded to specific teeth on the inner side, making it invisible. It helps prevent the gap from reappearing.
Retention is a long-term process, often lifelong, and regular check-ups are essential to maintain the results of the treatment. The frequency of wearing the retainer is gradually reduced, but always strictly according to the orthodontist’s recommendations.
Madalina Elena Gorečan, DMD, Orthodontic Specialist
Izvor: meddox.com
