Dental Braces: Types, Plans, Price, and Care
What Are Dental Braces?
Braces are orthodontic appliances that fix teeth that are crooked or out of alignment.
This procedure is typically the first thing that comes to mind when people think of orthodontics. Dental braces can realign a patient's jaw in addition to improving their smile, which is why they are utilized for both aesthetic and functional purposes.
For persons of all ages, braces are available. Nevertheless, children between the ages of 10 and 14 receive care the most frequently.
Braces are available for people of all ages. Although, children between 10 and 14 years of age are the most common age group to get treatment.
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How Do Braces Work?
Each patient's orthodontic therapy is unique based on their requirements, jaw and teeth anatomy, and age. Braces are made up of seven primary parts that work together to gradually realign teeth and improve the appearance of the smile, including:
Bracket
Brackets, which are tiny square-shaped pieces of metal or ceramic, are a common component of dental braces. Depending on the patient's requirements and how their teeth are positioned, they are positioned in the middle of each tooth and spaced at an angle.
Archwire
The center of the brackets is pierced by a metal archwire, which continuously presses against the teeth. The teeth are gradually moved into their proper locations by the wire.
Elastic Ligature
Elastic ligatures are small rubber bands that go around each bracket. Ligatures ensure the archwire stays in its slot. They also help guide the teeth into their correct positions. The elastics come in a variety of sizes and colors and are replaced during every orthodontic adjustment appointment.
Chain Elastic
The elastic ligatures on each tooth are replaced by chain elastics, also known as power chains. They increase the pressure on the teeth and produce a pulling force that tightens them together. Power chains are typically applied toward the conclusion of treatment.
Wire Ligature
The stainless steel wires that hold the archwire in place are called wire ligatures. Additionally, the wires hold the unique brackets to each tooth. In situations where it is difficult to hold the archwire in the bracket, these may be used in place of elastic ligatures.
Coil
When the teeth are too close together, coils, also known as coil springs, are placed between two brackets (overlap). A patient's bite is repaired by using coils to separate the teeth.
Rubber Band
The top and bottom brackets are joined together by rubber bands that are fastened to hooks. They help realign the jaw and make sure the teeth are aligned appropriately. The patient applies and removes rubber bands every day.
4 Types of Braces
There are more than a hundred brands and numerous styles of braces available.
For individuals who don't wish to wear braces that are visible, there are more cosmetic choices available. For instance, clear ceramic braces are composed of porcelain but have the same size and shape as metal braces.
There are four typical forms of dental braces, including:
Traditional Metal Braces
The most effective and economical orthodontic treatment option is traditional metal braces.
They realign the jaw, treat crowding, and straighten the teeth. During routine checkups, an orthodontist can simply shift the teeth in tiny increments. Traditional braces are the most popular choice for kids and teenagers. Adults have options if they don't mind having visible metal brackets.
Clear Braces
The same size, shape, and function of metal braces are served by clear braces, also known as ceramic or invisible braces.
The key distinction between the two is that transparent braces feature brackets that match the color of the teeth, making them less obvious because they blend in with the surrounding teeth. Clear or white rubber bands and elastic brackets are also used in clear braces. Adults and teenagers both benefit from invisible braces.
Lingual Braces
A less popular substitute for conventional metal braces are lingual braces. Similar to traditional braces, this orthodontic therapy is "invisible." Although the placement of the brackets and wires on the backs of teeth is the primary distinction,
The same tools and procedures are used with lingual braces as with conventional "outside" braces.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are another popular "invisible" orthodontic treatment option. They are minimally invasive and removable.
They usually cost the same as traditional metal braces. Patients must wear each custom aligner for up to three weeks. Teeth move a fraction of a millimeter at a time and require fewer in-office visits. Aligners are a popular option for teens and adults.
Braces and Headgear
A device used to correct a variety of bite issues is orthodontic headgear.
The neck strap on the devices allows you to strap them to your face or head. Treatment is typically only required if a child has an open bite, an overbite, an underbite, an overjet, or a crossbite. Braces alone can usually straighten teeth that are just slightly to moderately crooked.
Only braces and headgear can be worn together. While headgear has the potential to affect jaw growth, braces move teeth. Only young children can wear headgear because their mouths are still growing.
Placement of Braces & Treatment Plan
1. Consultation
Before braces are put on, a thorough orthodontic consultation is necessary. The optimum course of treatment is suggested by the orthodontist based on each patient's needs.
2. Before Treatment
Before braces are put on, a dentist must thoroughly clean the teeth. Prior to beginning orthodontic treatment, any additional oral health procedures, such as periodontal disease therapy, cavity fillings, or tooth extractions, should be finished.
3. First Appointment
An orthodontist takes x-rays of the patient's mouth during the initial appointment and creates bespoke molds.
4. Placement of Braces
It takes roughly two hours to complete the bonding process. After drying the patient's teeth, the orthodontist applies the braces using a specific adhesive, hardens it with a curing light, and sets the bond. To secure everything in place, the orthodontist adds the ligature after threading the archwire through the brackets.
5. Follow-Up Appointments
The first follow-up appointment is set up four to eight weeks after placement. In order to make sure the teeth are progressing in the appropriate direction, the orthodontist frequently switches out archwires and elastics. Until the braces are taken off, a patient sees their orthodontist every four to eight weeks. For between 18 months and three years, braces are worn.
6. Last Appointment
The brackets and related materials are simple to remove. The brackets, wire, and elastics are initially taken off by the orthodontist. The enamel is then cleaned. To ensure the patient's teeth stay in position, a permanent or removable retainer (mouthguard) is then made.
7. Aftercare
To achieve the best outcomes, it is crucial to pay close attention to oral hygiene procedures when wearing braces. After every meal, brushing and flossing are advised. By doing this, you can prevent food, debris, and bacteria from becoming caught between the brackets and worsening dental issues.
Oral Health Risks of Braces
Straight teeth not only enhance your beauty but also boost your oral health. For instance, having straight teeth makes it simpler to clean and floss between them, improving oral hygiene. However, it is more challenging to remove plaque if your teeth are misaligned. You are therefore more likely to eventually acquire oral diseases.
Some risk factors associated with crooked teeth include:
- Cavities (tooth decay)
- Gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease (PD)
- Decreased chewing and speaking abilities
- Jaw issues and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
- Worn down tooth enamel
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
Eating With Braces
Food options are restricted while receiving orthodontic treatment with metal, transparent, or lingual braces. This is due to the importance of avoiding ingesting anything that can harm the braces.
Candy and other hard, sticky items become lodged between the brackets and are challenging to remove. Cavities, deterioration, and lost brackets may result from this.
Safe To Eat
- Soft Fruit
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Soft Grains
- Soft Bread
- Lean Meat
- Tofu
- Smooth Nut Butters
- Cooked Vegetables
Limited
- Candy
- Sugar Foods
- Hard Fruit
- Soft Cheese
- Bone-In Meat
- Nuts and Seeds
- Uncooked Vegetables
- Hard Crusted/Toasted Breads
- Hard Grains
Treatment Cost & Insurance Coverage
In some areas, children must have dental insurance to get braces. However, for adults, insurance might only cover a portion of the expense.
Dental insurance doesn't take into account whether or not the use of braces is for cosmetic purposes. If the plan includes orthodontic benefits, the majority of insurance companies will pay for the procedure. If the plan doesn't offer orthodontic benefits, they don't pay for the procedure.
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