An incorrect bite can cause a lot of complexes. Therefore, many parents are considering installing braces for children when the first signs of curvature appear. At the same time, they have a lot of questions about the procedure itself. How are braces installed? How long should they be worn? Answers to these and other questions can be found in this article.
What are braces?
Proper bite is necessary not only for beauty, but also for health. Curvature of the dentition causes excessive tension of the masticatory muscles, which leads to their increased fatigue, the enamel begins to wear out faster, chipped fillings and painful sensations appear.
Braces are designs designed to correct a person’s bite. They exert prolonged pressure on the teeth, which leads to their alignment. The bracket system is an arc that is attached to the jaw with locks. An orthodontist can install them on both milk and molars. Depending on the age and characteristics of the patient, removable or permanent structures are used. Thanks to modern technology, it is possible to install braces for a teenager, adult and child.
The principle of braces
The design of the system is designed in such a way as to gradually move uneven teeth to the right places due to the pressure force. The process is carried out due to four main elements: wire arc, ligature, bonding and braces themselves. In some cases, the orthodontist uses special rubber springs or rings to provide extra pressure. The continuous effect of the installed braces on the teeth leads to their gradual movement and consolidation in a new place. Under the influence of pressure, the root membrane stretches and a new supporting bone grows.
For the formation of these processes, the bracket system must be worn for a long period. On average, the tooth shifts during the month by 1 millimeter, but the figure may vary depending on the individual characteristics and treatment methods of the patient. The entire period of treatment, it is necessary to replace and correct the arc, which has the form of a regular dentition. This must be done to change the pressure on the jaw. Correction is carried out once a month or in case of breakage of the bracket system.
Decision-making
Installation of the system requires careful planning of the actions of the orthodontist.
Before installing braces, the doctor must:
- Carefully inspect the patient's oral cavity.
- Send the patient for radiography, and then examine the resulting image.
- Develop several treatment options.
After which the doctor will consult with the patient. The patient will be able to independently choose the appropriate system depending on the material and type of construction. The orthodontist will give an estimated cost and duration of treatment. He will not be able to give exact numbers, since it depends on other factors that are independent of the doctor’s qualifications.
Training
The treatment period takes from 2 months to 2-3 years. Therefore, before installing braces, the doctor conducts a number of activities:
- Professional oral cleaning. The procedure is necessary to remove soft deposits, as well as hard deposits. There are several options for its implementation: mechanically, ultrasound, laser, or applying chemical reagents.
- Sanitation of the oral cavity. The dentist treats all teeth and gums. And also the doctor can replace old fillings with new ones, if necessary. The procedure is mandatory, since during the period of wearing braces, dental treatment becomes problematic.
How to install vestibular braces
There are two types of fixation of the corrective apparatus. One is attached to the outer surface of the teeth - the vestibular system. The second is located on the inside and remains inconspicuous - a lingual structure. When installing the vestibular system, such factors are taken into account: the type of fastening, the presence of ligatures, the way the glue hardens. It is advisable to eat tightly before the procedure to reduce salivation.
The standard installation process for the ligatureless vestibular system is as follows:
- A special dilator is inserted into the patient's mouth. This is necessary for convenience during the operation of the orthodontist, as well as to protect the patient's lips from injuries and glue.
- The doctor attaches a bracket to each tooth in order. In this case, the placement of the plate is measured by the positioner. The assistant applies special glue to the back of the system. After the orthodontist makes sure that the bracket is placed correctly, fixes it with a special lamp.
- When each plate is glued to the tooth, the doctor checks the correctness and reliability of the placement. A special lock or hook is put on the last tooth in the row.
- The specialist fixes a corrective arc on the braces. Usually the procedure is performed from the left edge. When installing a ligatureless system, the arc is alternately threaded into the groove of each bracket, locking the lock at the end. When using the ligature design put on special elastic bands.
- Excess arc is cut off or bent after joining the entire dentition.
Installation of vestibular braces on one jaw takes about 1–1.5 hours. The procedure, as a rule, is distributed over two days, since it is difficult to withstand both the patient and the specialist for 3 hours.
How to set lingual braces
The process of fixing the internal structure system takes place in a completely different scenario.
Before installing braces, the orthodontist conducts a number of preparatory work:
- Pictures, casts and 3D models of the jaw of the patient.
- The specialist makes a copy of the dentition of the client from special materials.
- A brace system is modeled on an artificial jaw.
- The assembled structure is fixed with permanent glue in the patient's mouth.
Installation of lingual braces on one jaw takes 2–2.5 hours. The procedure is usually divided into two visits.
How to behave after installing braces
Installing a leveling system requires a change in oral care habits. To do this, you need to purchase such funds: orthodontic and monopushed brushes, tooth brush, mouth rinse and toothpaste.
The first day after installing braces is the hardest. To alleviate the condition of the patient, doctors advise using these recommendations:
- To relieve pain in the gums, it is necessary to rinse with a salt solution - 1 teaspoon per 200 ml of water for 3 times a day.
- If the cheek was injured during the installation of braces, then isolate it with a protective wax and rinse your mouth with an antiseptic.
- With severe increasing pain, you can take an anesthetic tablet: Tempalgin, Spazmalgon or Analgin.
It is necessary to regularly visit a doctor so that he activates the system. It consists in replacing ligatures, arcs and other elements. The procedure is carried out every 3-4 weeks throughout the entire treatment period. The orthodontist monitors the speed of bite correction and activates the equipment. If this is not done, unforeseen consequences may arise.
Power Features
After installing braces, you must adhere to some food restrictions. This is necessary to avoid staining of teeth and structural damage.
List of Unwanted Products:
- Products that can damage braces: nuts, candies, crackers. Solid fruits and vegetables must first be cut into small pieces.
- Sticky and lasting foods: toffee, corn sticks, chewing gum, rolls. Such food “sticks” to the brackets locks, which complicates their further cleaning. This can provoke the development of caries, inflammation of the gums or the destruction of tooth enamel in the future.
- Products with dyes: Pepsi, Fanta, red wine, coffee, tea, berries. Braces under the influence of coloring pigments can change their color.
- Very cold or hot foods: ice cream from the freezer or just cooked soup. Temperature jumps can destroy the sensitive elements of the bracket design and adversely affect tooth enamel.
In the period of adaptation to the system, liquid and soft foods should be consumed: cereals, yoghurts, mashed potatoes, jellies.
How much do you need to wear braces?
Treatment can last from 6 months to 2 years or more. The wearing time of the braces depends on the goals and age of the patient. When installing braces for an adult, treatment can stretch in severe cases up to 2 years and 5 months. It is important to consider that after removing the braces it will be necessary to install the retainers on the lower jaw - a thin wire that fastens the dentition. And also use a mouth guard on the upper jaw, which is worn at night. Adaptation to the new system is quick and painless. Reiners wear at least 5 years of age, and adolescents - 2 times longer.
Metal braces
Such a system is considered the most popular due to its availability and reliability. Installation of metal brackets is possible at any age. Most often, patients opt for non-ferrous metal. If there is an allergy, then other material options are possible.
Benefits:
- Price.
- Strength.
- The treatment interval is shorter.
- Painlessness.
Disadvantages:
- Spoil the look.
- In operation are inconvenient.
- May cause discomfort and irritate gums while wearing.
Ceramic Braces
This tooth alignment system is made of special glass and has a transparent structure. Due to this, it practically merges with tooth enamel and becomes invisible to others. Therefore, it is preferred by adults and adolescents. The most popular installation of braces (including St. Petersburg) is primarily due to its cost. Ceramic braces do not stain after eating (except cola, coffee, curry).
Benefits:
- Stealth for others.
- Comfort while wearing.
- High durability.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes they can stain.
- Long-term treatment.
- High price.
- Pretty voluminous.
- Not suitable for serious malocclusion.
Sapphire braces
The properties are the same as the ceramic leveling system, but resistant to staining. Braces are made of durable plastic, taking into account the structure of the patient's dentition, so they do not cause gum irritation. Invisalign mouth guards are not suitable for people with severe malocclusion.
Benefits:
- Mouthguards are practically invisible to others.
- Simple leaving and a possibility of removal.
- Do not irritate the gums.
- Mouthguards are less painful compared to fixed proofreaders.
- Do not stain.
- Comfortable sock.
- During treatment, computer prediction and correction of treatment are carried out.
Disadvantages:
- Intermittent exposure to teeth.
- The result of treatment depends on the habit of wearing Invisalign braces. The patient should wear them at least 20-22 hours a day, taking breaks only during brushing and eating.
- High price.
- Not suitable for people with severe malocclusion. Sometimes after wearing the Invisalign system, you need to wear regular braces.
- Regularly clean the cap before reuse.
- The patient can damage the braces if he has a habit of grinding his teeth.
Lingual braces
This bite alignment system is installed behind the teeth, which makes it almost invisible. Mostly lingual braces are made of metal. After installing the system, the patient may experience pain and irritation of the tongue, as well as difficulties with chewing solid food, and rarely, speech disorder. After the adaptation period, which is 3 to 7 days, unpleasant symptoms disappear.
Benefits:
- It is invisible to others.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- Not applicable for serious bite problems.
- A difficult period of adaptation.
- Not suitable for patients with short front teeth.
Braces on the lower jaw
Partial occlusion correction is quite rare - in 5% of cases. Bracket system installation on one jaw is carried out if deformation is insignificant and both dentitions are symmetrical. In this case, the molars and fangs should be located strictly opposite each other. Of the total number, it is necessary that no more than two teeth have curvature.
It is possible to wear braces only on the lower jaw, if the upper row is perfectly even. But then you still have to wear the system completely due to the expansion of the lower row of teeth that appears after wearing braces. For correction, such systems are used: metal, lingual, sapphire and ceramic.
Correction Features:
- Aligning teeth in this area is more problematic.
- Correction takes a longer time.
- The amount of materials used is less.
- Aligning the lower dentition is cheaper than the upper jaw.
Braces on the upper jaw
The requirements for correcting this area are the same as for the lower dentition. The installation of braces on the upper jaw involves the use of lingual or vestibular systems. Depending on the material used: ceramic, sapphire, metal and polymer structures.
And it is also possible to choose ligature and ligature systems. The first are most in demand due to lower cost. Their design consists of ligatures and elastic rings, with the help of which the arc is attached to braces. The second fasten much faster thanks to self-regulating mechanisms. Ligatureless systems accelerate the speed of jaw correction and provide more convenient oral hygiene.
Correction Features:
- The procedure is most in demand for aesthetic reasons.
- Treatment takes less time due to a small crowding of teeth.
- To correct the upper jaw there are more design options.
So, wearing braces will help to cope with the problem of malocclusion. On average, wearing the system takes from 2 to 3 years. An orthodontist will help you choose the design you need in a particular case, after which you will monthly examine and activate the system. Before installing braces, you need to prepare, and then take care of the oral cavity using special tools.