Not all children grow teeth evenly. But today it is not an insoluble problem. There are various methods that allow you to adjust the position of the teeth from an early period. Teeth records are the best solution. Species and installation are described in the article.
Features
Plastics for aligning teeth are also called retainers or staples. They are designed to correct a malocclusion in a child when it is just beginning to develop. They are advised to use for single pathologies, as well as after applying braces to consolidate their effect. As can be seen from the photo, the plates for the teeth may differ in appearance. But their main function is one.
Some types of tooth plates for children have structural differences, but each orthodontic appliance has the same basic details - a plate, wire and mount. For the plate, soft or medium-hard plastic is used, which can have a different color. It bends in the shape of a child’s sky. The main function of plastic is the retention of an arc created from a titanium-nickel alloy.
It is with the help of the arc that the leveling effect is ensured, since it has a “memory" - the originally created shape of the wire is not able to change under load when chewing. The plates act on incorrectly positioned tooth crowns and lead to their displacement. And since the force of influence is not very large, the arc cannot harm the root system of the teeth. The thickness of the wire is different.
Flakes on teeth solve the problem of incorrectly growing teeth during occlusion. The mount is a special mechanism in the base, in which there is a small screwdriver. Some devices have additional elements, for example, built-in activators that can be twisted so that the arc remains tightly stretched.
Advantages and disadvantages
Flakes for teeth have the following advantages:
- Increased comfort and aesthetics. Addiction occurs in a few days. The product is almost not felt in the mouth, it is removed with food, sports, hygiene procedures.
- Speed of manufacture. Typically, a mechanism is created within a week after taking impressions.
- Ease of installation. Mounting takes place within 10 minutes. The procedure is absolutely painless.
- Simple care. Primary school students can also keep the plate clean.
- A rare visit to the dentist. For correction, you need to go to the doctor less often compared to wearing braces.
But there are also noticeable disadvantages:
- They cannot fix serious defects.
- Practically not applicable for adults.
- Since the structure is easily removed, it is necessary to control that the child does not pull it off.
- There is a risk of allergies to plastic or metal.
- If there is insufficient oral hygiene, then gum disease appears, passing into gingivitis and periodontitis.
Children should not be allowed to play with the mechanism. Children can quickly remove and put on plates with the help of their tongue.
Kinds
Plates for children’s teeth are:
- Removable. This is a sought-after look that is attached to the teeth with hooks. They can be worn every day, and also periodically removed. The main advantage of the products is ease of use and affordable cost. But removable devices can be used only during the alignment of one tooth, if it is slightly offset. By structure and purpose, such plates are single-jawed, with a hand-shaped process, with an active spring pusher, with a retraction arch.
- Non-removable. It is desirable to use such plates on the teeth for the correction of several teeth, which is necessary for long-term exposure. The design may have locks with which an arc is passed. They are required for periodic tightening of the plate, so that the crowns have the desired pressure. Since these devices have locks, they cost more.
Given the photo, tooth plates for children are beautiful. Moreover, they are also comfortable. The main thing is to choose the device that the doctor prescribed.
Indications
Teeth records are necessary in the following cases:
- displacement of 1 tooth;
- improper arrangement of several teeth;
- rare arrangement of crowns;
- problems of the development of the jaw bones;
- slowing down or activating the growth of the jaw;
- narrowness of the sky;
- protection against displacement after braces.
The device must be prescribed by the dentist. Do not engage in self-alignment of teeth, as this can lead to negative consequences.
When can not be used?
Plates for aligning teeth cannot be used for:
- the development of periodontitis;
- allergies to the components of the device;
- respiratory diseases;
- the presence of caries-affected teeth.
In these cases, you should contact your dentist. The specialist will prescribe effective measures to solve the problem.
Bite correction
Often plates are needed with the wrong milk or removable bite. This appointment is necessary, because with such a bite, the placement of teeth is very easily adjusted and a strong load is not needed. If the device is installed under high pressure, there is a risk of losing a baby tooth. Therefore, the dentist needs to control the installation of the plates.
As you can see from the photo, the tooth plates for children are about the same. In this case, the doctor must decide whether to install them. Since the root system of temporary teeth is not so strong, there is a risk of losing them with strong pressure on the teeth.
Care
Both adults and children need quality care for the dental records. In its absence, there may be a breakdown of the device. Care is as follows:
- Each day, the staples are cleaned with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. A special gel can also be used for this.
- Each week, the staples must be treated with a disinfectant solution. They are placed in liquid at night.
- Before eating, the staples are removed.
- Before installation, it is washed with boiled water.
- Store the plates in a special container.
- If the plate breaks, it must be taken to a doctor.
- To prevent jamming of the rotary screw, it must be lubricated with a drop of oil.
What to choose - plates or braces?
At an early age, orthodontists recommend the installation of plates, and braces are used to correct teeth for children from 12-14 years old. The second option of devices should not be worn by children under the age of 12-14 years, otherwise it can adversely affect the development of skull bones.
Cost
Installing plates will be cheaper compared to bracket systems. To determine the price, many factors are taken into account. The cost is determined by the design features, materials, level of the clinic where the braces are installed.
The average price of a regular medium-hard plastic plate is up to 10 thousand rubles. There will be no additional parts on such a device. When a colored or softer plastic is selected, the cost rises by 2 thousand rubles or more.
Devices with 1 screw cost about 9 thousand rubles, and for each additional screw the price increases by 1-2 thousand rubles. If a shutter for the tongue is installed on the bracket, then this increases the price by 500-1500 rubles. Devices that allow you to adjust the position of the chewing teeth cost about 14 thousand rubles.
Installation
How to put a plate on a child’s teeth? The nuances of the installation are as follows:
- Staples must be individual. The child should examine the orthodontist to identify problems, and then an x-ray is performed. According to the examination by the doctor, the type of device is selected. The specialist should tell the child and parents about the rules of the plate.
- Then a wax impression is taken from the teeth, which will be used in creating the plaster model. On its basis create a record. At the second visit to the doctor, the design will be installed and customized, which will take 10 minutes.
- Then the doctor talks about leaving, adjusting the arc, the duration of use. He also needs to clarify how to tighten the plate for the teeth. On average, the device is worn for about 2 years. If it is removable, then it is recommended to be worn for more than 21 hours a day, taking off only while brushing your teeth and eating food.
As with other orthodontic products, you need to get used to the plates. During the first days, discomfort and pain may appear. Sometimes there is a violation of speech and increased salivation. Usually, adaptation is completed after 3-7 days.
Recommendations
Since removable plates are considered foreign devices, children have a desire to remove them, so parents need to control this. It is necessary to explain to the child that for better alignment it is necessary to wear products for a long time.
Permanent removal slows down the results, so you will need to wear the device longer. It is important to pay attention to oral care. it is necessary to brush your teeth 2 times a day, removing the plate for this time, and also regularly process the structure itself.
For adults
Should I install them for adults? It depends on the person himself. There are no identical treatments. Even with one defect, two different people get different results. It is more effective to correct the bite of children to adolescents. At this age, treatment will be quick and results appear earlier.
Adults should not choose removable plates to align their teeth. In case of a serious defect, it is advisable to install braces. For minor imperfections, fixed brackets can help. Plates are used after braces. Although the devices are recommended for children and adults, it is better to consult a dentist before using them.