Metal Braces
Metal braces is the conventional and the most commonly chosen orthodontic option. Successful orthodontic treatment requires a consistent, cooperative effort by both the orthodontist and patient. To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must carefully clean his or her teeth, wear rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescibed by the orthodontist, and keep appointments as scheduled.
To keep teeth and gums healthy, regular visits to the family dentist must continue during orthodontic treatment. Adults who have a history of or concerns about periodontal (gum) disease might also see a periodontist (specialist in treating diseases of the gums and bone) on a regular basis throughout orthodontic treatment.
During these regular visits, appliances are checked and o-rings changed and adjusted. Damaged appliances can lengthen the treatment time and may undesirably affect the outcome of treatment. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their desired positions if the patient consistently wears the correct adjusted forces to the teeth.
In recent years, many advances in orthodontic materials have taken place. Metal braces are smaller and more efficient. The metal wires now being used are no longer just stainless steel. They are made of alloys of nickel, titanium, copper and cobalt, and some of the wires are heat-activated. These new kinds of wires cause the teeth to continue to move during certain phases of treatment. In addition, braces on the front teeth typically have only the bracket bonded directly to the tooth, minimizing the "tin grin". These "space age" materials advancements exert a steady, gentle pressure on the teeth, so that the tooth-moving process may be faster and more comfortable for patients. Goto section on Technologies for Orthodontic Treatments
Benefits of Metal Braces
- metal braces is less expensive than more modern orthodontic devices
- metal braces can correct the most difficult problems with teeth
- metal braces are the most common device used for straightening teeth
Procedure of Dental Braces Treatment
1.First Evaluation and diagnosis
- Medical records are made including a panoramic x-ray and celphlometric x-ray and study model
- An appropriate treatment plan is made based on analysis of the gathered information that is discussed with you
2.Pre-orthodontic treatment
- Any required pre-orthodontic treatment is done such as tooth extraction, gum treatment or teeth scaling
3.Fitting of braces
- Once any required pre-orthodontic treatment is completed, the braces are placed on with bands that applies the forces required to align teeth
4.Checkup visits are made to adjust your braces on monthly basis
5.Retainers usually need to be worn during night time after braces are removed to prevent relapses
Recovery Expectations
Most people have some discomfort after their braces are first put on or when during adjustment visits during treatment. After the braces are on, teeth may become sore and may be tender to biting pressures for a few days. Patients can usually manage this discomfort well with whatever pain medication they might commonly take for a headache. The orthodontist will advise patients and/or their parents what, if any, pain relievers to take. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces.
Care of Dental Braces
- Patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard and sticky foods
- Patients must not chew on pens, pencils or fingernails because chewing on hard things can damage the braces. Damaged braces will almost always cause treatment to take longer.
- Teeth and braces would need to be kept cleaned every day if the teeth and gums are to be healthy during and after orthodontic treatment
- Follow your orthodontist directions on how often to brush, how often to floss and he use of other cleaning aids to help maintain good dental health
