What are braces?

Patients often ask what braces are. They are a special system for correcting the bite and aligning the teeth. Locks are attached to the top of the row of teeth and an elastic arch is attached to them. With the help of the wire arch, the tooth is moved to the required position, which has a therapeutic effect.

The orthodontic arch has many advantages. It is super elastic and bends when the braces are inserted into the grooves. After the performed manipulations, the arch returns to its original shape. The appliances connect the arch to the teeth. This means that individual elements are used for each element.

Why do I need to wear braces?

The dentist chooses the type of brace system based on several factors. The following factors influence the choice of design:

• The condition of the bite;
• The need for tooth extraction or surgery;
• The patient’s budget;
• Aesthetic preferences.

After a consultation and examination, the specialist will determine which system is needed and offer several designs to choose from. Once the patient understands why brace are needed, he or she will be able to successfully correct a crooked or malocclusion and achieve a long-awaited smile. The popularity of brace system is growing every day because the results are amazing in a good way – beautiful, straight teeth.

According to statistics, iron braces are fitted to teenagers and children. They are reliable, functional and affordable products.

Patients can choose from a different types of designs: braces with coloured elements or gold. Moulded systems are also in demand. They follow the smile line, so when a person smiles, you can see beautiful stars or other images.

The compact, self-adjusting design means less time spent on maintenance and dental care. There are actually no food particles to get stuck under the system.

Contraindications to wearing braces

Before seeing an orthodontist, it is important to understand who should not be prescribed braces. People with a number of problems and conditions are at risk.

1. Bone dysplasia, osteogenesis, osteoporosis. In these conditions, the bone tissue does not rebuild and the procedure is not possible.
2. HIV, tuberculosis, pathological changes in the immune system and endocrine disorders. The body fights the main diseases, so there are no resources left for the healing of the oral cavity.
3. Oncology. Bone tissue regenerates slowly.
4. Mental disorders. The patient may not be able to follow the doctor’s instructions.
5. There is a large number of missing teeth in the dentition.

Problems with the tooth row are solved by correction, dental and gum diseases are eliminated. Once the irregularities have been corrected, braces can be fitted. The brace systems are placed on clean, plaque-free teeth.

Types of braces and how they differ

Before seeing a specialist, it is a good idea to find out about the different types of braces and how they differ. This information will help you make the right decision in the doctor’s office. There are several types of brace systems. The most popular are: metal, ceramic, sapphire and mixed.

Metal brace systems have a number of advantages that are worth considering:

• Budget cost of products;
• Reliability and durability;
• Optimal timing of the correction of a malocclusion;
• Easy installation on the tooth row;
• Minimal friction between the groove and the arch.

Metal braces are usually not aesthetically pleasing and can cause allergies in some patients. Sometimes they irritate the mucous membrane and cause ulcers.

The problem of allergy sufferers is solved by gold brace systems. It is a natural, hypoallergenic material.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces are the most expensive option. A remarkable feature – they are practically invisible on the teeth. There are two types of ceramic braces:

• Polycrystalline;
• Monocrystalline.

The first type is made of a matt material, it is not completely transparent.

Ceramic braces are very popular. This design matches the colour of the tooth enamel and looks good. The ceramic system is firmly attached to the teeth. It is durable and has a positive effect on the gums.

Despite its many advantages, there is one disadvantage – the length of time it takes to wear them. They are also expensive and large. However, ceramics are resistant to food colouring.

The ligature system is changed at regular visits to the dentist. Many patients like ceramics for their comfort, softness to the gums, and neat appearance.

Sapphire system

Sapphire brace systems are made of sapphire – a monocrystalline, transparent and durable material. They do not collect plaque. They are also not affected by food dyes. Sapphire designs are recommended for patients with very light enamel.

A sapphire brace system is a vestibular device that goes into the oral cavity. They are made from man-made sapphire crystals. They are becoming more popular with young adults and teenagers every year. The main advantage is that they are almost invisible on the teeth. This type of construction is not difficult to maintain and the cost is affordable for most patients. It also does not cause discomfort or speech problems.

The ceramic and sapphire system is characterised by a friction force between the groove and the arch, along which the element has to move and attract the tooth. As a result, the bite alignment is slow compared to its metal counterpart. Manufacturers tried a trick: they started to make metal grooves and achieved an unrivalled effect. However, brace systems are noticeable.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are attached to the inside of the tooth row so that they are not visible when you smile. They are made of metal, ceramic or gold.

Lingual braces have the following disadvantages: the patient’s speech is impaired for 14 days after the braces are fitted, they take a long time to adjust, and they are difficult to maintain.

Combining different types of braces

When choosing the optimal brace system, patients consider the cost of the design. Orthodontists also consider the possibility of combining different products. This feature makes it possible to change the price of the upcoming treatment.

Ceramic or plastic braces are attached to the front teeth, and metal braces are attached to the chewing teeth. Dentists can apply lingual braces to the upper row and simple ceramic braces to the lower row. Such manipulations reduce the total cost of the procedure.

The active phase does not end immediately. A beautiful smile is a dream come true, but the therapy continues. After the structures are removed, the retainers are fitted.

Fitting the braces

Many patients are afraid to see a specialist because they do not know how braces are fitted. The brace system is fitting using the standard protocol of direct fixation in the oral cavity. This means that the braces are attached to the teeth.

The second option for the attachment of braces is the indirect fixation. The orthodontist compares the model of the patient’s teeth with images and makes a clear project of each tooth, after which the brace system is fitted in the correct position. The manipulation is quick and painless.

How do I remove my braces?

Patients with malocclusions are often interested in how braces are removed after they have been worn. Successful treatment of orthodontic problems is completed with timely removal. The properties of the rigid arch are designed for a certain period of time. At the end of this period it is recommended to remove them from the oral cavity.

The procedure for removing the brace system is not complicated, but it requires attention and care on the part of the dentist. Patience and diligence of the patient are the guarantee of a positive result.

The removal process is done in stages:

• The system is removed from the row of teeth;
• The enamel is treated with a special composition;
• The retainers are fixed.

The brace system is a complex structure consisting of locks (or ligatures), plates (braces) and a connecting arch. All of these elements are under pressure, so improper manipulation can disrupt the system and lead to negative consequences.

To prevent accidental injury, a retractor is fixed in the patient’s mouth – a special pad that provides unobstructed access to the teeth. Once this is done, the orthodontist removes the braces. The ligatures are removed with small tweezers (or the locks are opened at the consultation).

The manipulations depend on the type of brace system used. After removing the fixator, the dentist carefully removes the arc from the grooves of the braces. The plates are removed with special pliers for orthodontic constructions. At the same time, the braces are compressed from both sides with a tool. The doctor calculates the necessary force. This allows the enamel and the entire plate to be preserved without damage.

When the dental arch is weakened, the patient feels the mobility of the tooth row, but later everything returns to normal and the feeling of discomfort disappears.

After removing the braces, dentists recommend taking care of the tooth enamel. This is due to the fact that the coating under the plate has remained the same colour as before. The enamel around the system darkens during the treatment period. In addition, after the braces are removed, there is adhesive residue on the surface of the teeth. These need to be removed.

The colour of the enamel is smoothed with a polishing attachment and a special paste. The dentist applies a fluoride substance to the teeth, which penetrates deep into the bone tissue. Remineralisation is maintained for a long time after the manipulation.

Braces care

Food particles and plaque build up on the brace system. Brushing with a toothbrush does not always solve this problem.

Dentists give recommendations on how to care for your braces.

• Brush your teeth in the morning and at night;
• Rinse your mouth out after meals;
• Use dental floss to clean between your teeth.
• Limit eating, do not eat sweets;
• See your dentist if you have any oral discomfort;
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months;
• Brush your teeth after meals.

Special manipulations can help prevent the appearance of white spots. V-shaped soft brushes are used to clean braces and teeth in different directions. Interdental brushes are used to remove food particles from between the teeth. The teeth are brushed with a bundle brush. At the end of the procedure, the mouth is rinsed with a special product.

Regular and timely care of teeth and braces prevents the proliferation of harmful microorganisms and inflammatory processes. Hygiene is a guarantee of dental health.

How long should I wear braces?

Patients often ask how long they should wear their braces? Due to the density of the bone and connective tissue, it takes a long time to straighten the teeth. Treatment of a malocclusion lasts approximately one and a half years. Recovery is influenced by individual body characteristics. Your orthodontist will be able to give you more detailed information. If there are contraindications to the use of braces, they will not be fitted.

Our dental clinic “Denta-Pro” offers services to solve various problems related to teeth and oral cavity in general. Our advantages are qualified and experienced specialists, modern treatment methods, innovative equipment, quality materials and optimal costs.

We guarantee unrivalled results because we think about patients in the first place.