Orthodontic metal braces or dental braces are the fixed
appliances used to correct malocclusion and to straighten the teeth. They are
used for the correction of occlusal discrepancies like open bite, over bite,
over jet, cross bite, crooked teeth and various other malocclusions.
Metal braces are silver or gold in color and have two
components:
·
Brackets:
these are bonded to teeth
·
Arch
wire: this is threaded through each of the brackets and acts as a guide to
align all the teeth in their proper position.
Metal braces or brackets are very strong and are most
commonly made of stainless steel, which can withstand any type of orthodontic technique.
Orthodontic braces have evolved and improved over the years and modern metal
braces are less intrusive and more comfortable than the traditional bands and
brackets. They have a low profile design which is far less irritating to the lips
and mouth.
Orthodontic metal braces exert pressure over the teeth by
means of an arch wire which moves the teeth to align them in their proper
position. Braces and arch wire provide constant gentle pressure on the teeth in
order to correct the malocclusion. The pressure applied should be gentle and
the tooth movement should be slow.
Most of the traditional metal braces require a ligature wire
or elastic o- shaped rubber bands to secure the wire to the brackets. However,
there are self-ligating braces which work with self-ligation technology to hold
the arch wire.
How
many visits to the dentist are required?
The number of sessions required for orthodontic treatment
depends on the severity of the case. If there is not enough space for the proper
alignment of the teeth, the dentist may extract teeth so as to create the
required space. In such cases, the number of sessions may increase as the teeth
are extracted followed by healing of the soft tissue. Otherwise, the placement
of the metal braces is usually completed in two to three sessions.
In the first session, the dentist will place separators in
the molar areas of the upper and lower teeth in order to create space to
receive the bands. The patient is then asked to come back after a week and
during the next session brackets are bonded to the surface of the teeth and
arch wire is secured in position. Arch wire puts pressure over the brackets and
the teeth which compresses the periodontal ligament on one side and stretches
on the other causing bone remodeling. The patient visits the dentist every 3-4
weeks throughout the entire treatment period to get the arch wire adjusted.
How long does the entire process
take?
Metal braces are usually worn
for at least two and a half years.
What type of dentist performs the
procedure?
Dental braces are placed by orthodontists who are specialists
in the field. It is a sensitive technique and therefore a general dentist
cannot perform this treatment.
Taking care of oral hygiene during
the process
With the bands, brackets and arch wire on the teeth surface,
it becomes difficult to clean the teeth properly. There are special tooth
brushes designed for cleaning around bracket areas. You need to pay extra care
to maintaining good oral hygiene and avoid food deposition or plaque
accumulation around the braces.
Risks
-
Irritation
to lips and oral mucosa
-
Irritation
to gums
-
Decalcification
around brackets and arch wire
-
Tooth
decay
-
Inability
to clean the teeth surface leading to poor oral hygiene
-
Tooth
pain
-
Increased
mobility of teeth due to greater pressure applied
-
Relapse
of the condition
-
Breaking
of the braces
Aftercare
Your dentist may provide you with a retentive appliance to
be worn after the braces are removed, to rule out the reversal of the condition.
This retentive appliance should be worn for a period of one year.
Dental, Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetics Clinic
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