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.
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