Dental problems are one of the health problems that can have negative effects on people not only in terms of physical health but also aesthetically. In this context, dental braces treatment is the process of harmonizing the jaw and teeth and providing an aesthetic appearance. In dental braces treatment, which is a method applied in the regulation of tooth-jaw anatomy, irregularities in the teeth and jaw joint, dental crowding and gaps between the teeth are eliminated with the necessary applications. In short, in a dental hospital, dental clinic or dentist’s office, the teeth are straightened with dental braces treatment and the person is given an aesthetic appearance.
What is Dental Braces Treatment?
Dental braces are a dental treatment technique applied to eliminate irregularities in the teeth and jaw joint. With dental braces treatment, dental problems such as gaps between teeth, abnormalities in tooth-jaw anatomy are eliminated.
In dental braces treatment, the teeth are brought to the desired positions by applying a force that is readjusted at certain intervals to the metal braces placed on the brackets placed on the teeth. In this context, dental braces treatment is a long-term treatment.
Types of Braces
Various kinds of braces exist to enhance teeth alignment. The choice of which braces to employ depends on several factors, including the nature of the issue, the degree of its seriousness, and the individual’s preferences.
1. Metal braces
The most commonly used application in dental braces treatment is traditional metal braces. Metal braces, which have been used for many years and continue to use stainless steel bands, brackets, and wires to align your teeth over time, are more durable than all other types and are especially used in the treatment of children and adolescent patients.
A dentist or orthodontist bonds a bracket to each tooth, then places a thin, flexible archwire over the brackets. Small elastic bands called ligatures hold the wire securely in place. Ligatures can be colored or transparent and are replaced at each check-up.
Although they are very visible because they are metal, the fastest results are obtained with metal braces. The treatment is completed between 6 months and 2 years after application to the teeth. Metal braces are used in tooth alignment disorders, treatment of tooth gaps and palate structure disorders. The use of metal braces requires care and attention, and it is important to maintain good oral hygiene throughout the treatment.
2. Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces, also called transparent braces, work in the same way as metal braces. Since they are less obvious than metal braces, they are more preferred in aesthetic dental treatment. They are especially popular among patients who have aesthetic concerns and have intense relationships with people in their lives. The biggest disadvantage of ceramic braces is that they are more fragile than metal braces. Due to their delicate structure, extra care is required and for this reason, they are generally applied in adults. The prices of ceramic braces are higher than other braces and the treatment process is slightly longer than metal braces.
3. Lingual braces
Lingual braces, akin to traditional braces, are affixed to the inner aspect of the teeth rather than the exterior. In essence, lingual braces do not manifest any visibility on the tooth’s surface, hence earning the moniker of “invisible braces.” It is preferred by people who do not want even transparent braces to be seen. Therefore, lingual braces are generally preferred by adult patients.
Compared to other dental braces treatment, people take longer to get used to them and the treatment may take 2 years. In addition, they can be uncomfortable because they directly contact the tongue and are more difficult to clean.
4. Self-ligating braces
Self-ligating braces made of metal or ceramic material function in a similar way to metal and ceramic braces. The main difference between metal or ceramic braces and self-ligating braces is that instead of using ligatures to hold the wire in place, self-ligating braces use a built-in mechanism that allows the teeth to move more freely, quickly, and comfortably.
5. Clear aligners
Clear aligners, also called invisible braces, are almost invisible, allowing patients to have an effortless and aesthetic treatment process. Clear aligners, which can be easily inserted and removed, are also very easy to clean. The clear aligners given to the patient by the doctors can be changed by the patient every two weeks, and in this way, the teeth are gradually moved to the desired shape.
In clear aligner treatment, the aligners should remain on the teeth for 22 hours a day, that is, they should remain in the mouth of the person while sleeping. Its use is easier and more comfortable than other orthodontic treatments.
How is Braces Treatment Applied?
Dental braces treatment is applied using different brackets and apparatus as follows:
- Metal bracket
- Ceramic bracket
- Lingual braces (invisible braces)
- Self-ligating braces
- Aligners (clear plaque).
In dental braces treatment, the following apparatus are inserted into the mouth:
- Brackets, which are the attachment points of the wires that will apply force to bring the teeth into the appropriate position during dental braces treatment.
- Orthodontic braces made of stainless steel, tooth-colored or transparent materials and attached to the brackets.
- The brace elastic, which is worn around the bracket and allows the braces to be fixed to the bracket.
- Orthodontic band made of stainless steel or ceramic, in the form of a ring, which is fixed to the teeth.
- Buccal tubes in which the last ends of the braces are placed.
- Face mask placed on the outside of the face as an additional support when the force applied by the wire to the teeth is insufficient during braces treatment.
How Long Does Braces Treatment Take?
The duration of dental braces treatment varies from patient to patient. On average, however, it takes between 1 and 3 years to complete dental braces treatment. For certain individuals, this timeframe could be less than a year, potentially under 12 months. Given the orthodontist’s possible requirement for essential modifications, ensuring you don’t postpone or skip dental appointments is of utmost importance. Otherwise, the treatment duration could be extended.
Living with Dental Braces
Maintaining good oral hygiene and being mindful of dietary choices are crucial considerations while wearing braces. Preserving your tooth enamel requires a regimen of brushing your teeth at least thrice a day. Keeping a toothbrush handy for midday touch-ups at work or school proves to be a pragmatic practice.
When it comes to brushing your teeth for bracket protection, opt for a soft brush rather than a firm one. Utilize gentle, non-aggressive brushing motions to avoid any harm to the brackets. Use interdental brushes to clean between the brackets. You can also use dental floss or fluoride mouthwashes to protect the underlying enamel and tooth structure.
Avoid sticky foods that can get stuck under the braces and cause them to separate. Avoid hard foods, sweets, etc., as they can damage the bond between the brackets and enamel or possibly the brackets themselves. Also, do not consume foods and drinks with high sugar and acid content, as they make oral hygiene difficult and can lead to enamel damage.
Removal
After completing the dental braces treatment, the braces are removed through a simple and painless process. The bond between the brackets and the teeth is safely broken. The bases of the brackets are squeezed to dissolve the adhesive bond, and the brackets are taken off. To prevent damage to tooth enamel and structure, some adhesive may be left on the teeth during this process.
Once all the brackets are removed, any remaining adhesive is cleaned off with the help of a tool. After all the adhesive is removed, there may be slight inflammation in the gums, but it typically decreases within a few days with proper oral hygiene.
Recovery & Aftercare
After the removal of braces, a retainer is typically placed approximately one to two weeks later. In some cases, retainers can be placed during the same appointment when the braces are removed.
Retainers, which are removable orthodontic devices, become essential in the retention phase of orthodontic care. This phase is critical as the teeth remain in an unstable state, and preserving their alignment is crucial for the treatment’s effective conclusion.
In the initial six months post-braces removal, it’s necessary to wear the retainer consistently throughout the day. Afterward, it can be worn only at night or as per the orthodontist’s recommendation, or it may be discontinued entirely.
Conducting comprehensive oral hygiene practices is of utmost importance to guarantee the complete removal of any lingering residues on the teeth following the elimination of braces. Additionally, this juncture offers an opportune moment to consider teeth whitening procedures if there’s any discoloration that has transpired.
