Conventional Metal Braces
In recent years, many advances
in orthodontic materials have taken place. Braces
are smaller and more efficient.
The wires now being used are no longer just stainless
steel. They are made of alloys of nickel, titanium,
copper and cobalt, and some of the wires are heat-activated.
These new kinds of wires cause the teeth to continue
to move during certain phases of treatment. In
addition, braces on the front teeth typically
have only the bracket bonded directly to the tooth,
minimizing the "tin grin". These "space
age" materials advancements exert a steady,
gentle pressure on the teeth, so that the tooth-moving
process may be faster and more comfortable for
patients.
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Procedure of Dental Braces Treatment
- First Evaluation and diagnosis
- Medical records are made
- An appropriate treatment plan
is made based on analysis of the gathered information
- An impression of your teeth
and jaw is taken for the braces to be made
- Fitting of braces
- Once ready the braces are placed
on with bands that applies the forces required to
align teeth
- Checkup visits are made to adjust
your braces on monthly basis
- Retainers usually need to be worn
during night time after braces are removed to prevent
relapses
Successful orthodontic treatment is a "two-way
street" that requires a consistent, cooperative
effort by both the orthodontist and patient. To successfully
complete the treatment plan, the patient must carefully
clean his or her teeth, wear rubber bands, headgear
or other appliances as prescibed by the orthodontist,
and keep appointments as scheduled. Damaged appliances
can lengthen the treatment time and may undesirably
affect the outcome of treatment. The teeth and jaws
can only move toward their desired positions if the
patient consistently wears the forces to the teeth,
such as rubber bands, as prescribed. Patients who do
their part consistently make themselves look good and
their orthodontist look smart.
To keep teeth and gums healthy, regular visits to the
family dentist must continue during orthodontic treatment.
Adults who have a history of or concerns about periodontal
(gum) disease might also see a periodontist (specialist
in treating diseases of the gums and bone) on a regular
basis throughout orthodontic treatment.
Recovery Expectations
Most people have some discomfort after their braces
are first put on or when adjusted during treatment.
After the braces are on, teeth may become sore and may
be tender to biting pressures for a few days. Patients
can usually manage this discomfort well with whatever
pain medication they might commonly take for a headache.
The orthodontist will advise patients and/or their parents
what, if any, pain relievers to take. The lips, cheeks
and tongue may also become irritated for one to two
weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface
of the braces.
Care of Dental Braces
- Patients with braces must be careful
to avoid hard and sticky foods
- Patients must not chew on pens,
pencils or fingernails because chewing on hard things
can damage the braces. Damaged braces will almost
always cause treatment to take longer.
- Teeth and braces would need to be
kept cleaned every day if the teeth and gums are to
be healthy during and after orthodontic treatment
- Follow your orthodontist directions
on how often to brush, how often to floss and he use
of other cleaning aids to help maintain good dental
health
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