Braces have been used for a long time in dental treatment to correct misaligned teeth. Earlier they were used by children/teenagers to correct their growing teeth and align them to the desired position. But nowadays a growing number of adults are also using them. Braces are thought synonymously with the crooked teeth. But that is not the case, they provide support to other dental problems like malocclusion which can be linked to other physical problems and other oral issues like improper chewing issues or bad odour from the mouth.

Braces are metal dental appliances that help with correcting crooked teeth, misaligned teeth or correcting overbite and underbite issues. There are different types of procedures available to correct dental problems. Based on the need, different types of braces are prescribed by dentists. It is not providing just for aesthetics purposes that braces are used, it also helps promote good oral health and hygiene.

Overcrowded teeth makes it difficult to clean between the teeth. Food can get stuck between the teeth and attract bacterial action. By corrective action, it will help reduce the problems of food debris and promote oral hygiene. When there is improper alignment of teeth, speech can also be affected. Words pronounced might not be clear to the listener and this can put the speaker with self-esteem issues. Digestion also gets affected due to misaligned/crooked teeth. Improper chewing is an issue that leads to digestive disorders.

By correcting teeth, this issue can be set right. Braces help to move back the teeth to the desired position by applying slight pressure on the tooth. Braces are adjusted on and off by the dentists till the teeth move to the position planned. It is not just for having good looking teeth that braces are recommended, it also helps improve oral health. One should consider how the overcrowded teeth are affecting and then look for possible options.

Different types of braces

These days there are different braces to choose from. From the colourful teeth bands to invisible braces – a wide range available according to one’s preference. Traditional braces using the metal wires are still in use, they are preferred by those who want strong and sturdy support to the teeth. The brackets are linked with wires and the pressure of the wires will push the teeth to the desired position.

Similar to traditional braces is ceramic braces, the difference being that they are made of transparent material. This is suited for those who prefer the less visible type of braces. Invisalign are another type of braces also invisible, they are similar to mouth guards and can be worn and removed while eating. They are a bit costly when compared to other braces.  If the problem due to ‘lot of teeth’, then usually the dentists will recommend extracting the extra teeth, so that when the remaining teeth move to the position, they can easily occupy the available space.

Another option that is seen is palatal expansion. In this procedure palatal expander is worn for a prescribed time. This will help to put pressure on the back of the molars and move them to that position. Depending on oral health and other health conditions, braces are chosen.

Treatment procedure

A dental consultation involves taking X rays, taking the mould of the teeth and choosing braces precedes placing the braces. Cleaning and drying the teeth is the first procedure. This will make the teeth ready to accept the braces. The square pieces that hold the braces in place in the teeth. If it is in the case of children usually the whole teeth are covered with these small squares, but only a few in the case of adults depending on the corrective action. These squares are held in place with metal brackets at each side of the mouth. Glue is also used to make sure that these braces stick to the teeth and do not move.

If the bonding cement used is light sensitive then a curing light is used. The time required for this process all depends on how the braces are placed correctly on each teeth and then are held in place. This process is painless but the mouth will feel dry due to the process and placing of cheek retractors which will pull the cheeks and lips. Most dentists prefer to use bonds while placing braces as they give more stability to the braces and one can make sure that they do not move their position.

Caring for after the procedure

It will take a while to get used to wearing braces. But slowly one would get adjusted to wearing them daily. Caring for braces is important as it will also reflect on one’s oral health. Regular cleaning practices should be followed as before even when wearing braces. Mouth washes or interdental brushes can be used to clean braces. Care should also be given to the food that is consumed. Hard chewy food should be avoided if possible, the same goes for sugary food. This is because they can lead to plaque or tartar formation in the tiny places between the teeth while wearing braces. If cleaning is not proper, bad breath can also be one of the issues.

A slight amount of pain can also be felt when wearing braces as they push the teeth to the desired position. Washing or gargling with warm water will help with the uncomfortable feeling or pain. Drinking a lot of water will help to wash away the food debris in the mouth and help to keep it clean. One should also be aware of how the wires in the braces are, if they are poking into the cheek tissue. If that is the case, there would be bruising or slight bleeding. If a situation comes up with the braces and one is not sure, then the best option will be to consult a dentist and seek expert guidance.