dental braces
What is it and what is dental braces used for?
Fixed or removable devices (brackets) are also called dental braces; and its application is widely spread for the correction of all kinds of orthodontic problems.
What types of dental braces are there?
Dental braces or appliances are therapeutic instruments used in orthodontics to correct problems of malposition and dental malocclusion. There are many types of braces (fixed, removable, others) developed for every need.
However, from the old dental braces, these devices have evolved in terms of materials, shapes and colors; Currently being the subject of a classification that allows the patient to select according to his preferences:
metal brakes.
A classic model that continues to offer effective results even today. For this reason they retain their validity; and thanks to its low cost, it remains the first choice for many patients.
Self-ligating braces.
As its name indicates, this type of device does not require additional rubber bands or ligatures; In addition, they are more comfortable to wear because they have fewer edges that hurt the inside of the mouth.
lingual braces.
These devices are fixed on the back of the teeth to make them invisible to third parties. Although its effectiveness and aesthetics are not discussed; for some patients they cause lesions on the tongue and are uncomfortable to wear.
Aesthetic brakes.
The brakes that make up this group are made with materials that make them practically imperceptible. Despite having a higher cost; his preference revolves around aesthetics in patients who do not wish to see metal in their teeth. Among these are ceramic and sapphire brackets.
Transparent
Clear aligners are the latest trend in this type of treatment. These are pieces made of a special and non-deformable type of plastic, which apply forces in the same way as conventional brackets. Although they are transparent and removable, today their effectiveness is highly proven.
colored braces
Rubber bands or rubber bands are used in metal or ceramic brackets to hold the arch and, at the same time, generate forces that help achieve the dental movement programmed by the specialist; pushing the tooth in a specific direction.
Obviously it is not a type of device as such; being more an accessory that completes the set.
Currently you can choose the color of the rubber bands according to your preference: pastel, neon, classic or transparent... the rubber bands for brackets give a fun look to orthodontics; especially among younger patients.
What types of luxury brackets are there?
sapphire brackets
Without a doubt, they are aesthetic devices par excellence, thanks to the sapphire crystal that provides transparency in each piece. In addition, the arches and ligatures are of a color that blends between the teeth; making them practically imperceptible.
Although their costs are higher when compared to other materials; the quality and resistance of sapphire brackets provide greater durability, without degrading its characteristics.
elastic chain
Beyond a type of device, the Elastic Chain is a continuous ligature that is generally used in patients who require more pressure to move their teeth or at the end of orthodontic treatment.
In any case, the elastic chains (also known as power chain) generate a precise force that helps to close the space between the teeth.
Self-ligating brackets
As the name implies, self-ligating brackets do not require additional bands or ligatures; since the system is adapted to generate the necessary pressure by itself.
They are also very comfortable devices to wear; free of accessories and edges that hurt the inside of the mouth.
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porcelain braces
Another option within the so-called aesthetic appliances are porcelain or ceramic brackets. These, like others within their group, are characterized by becoming less visible than conventional methods.
Although they are an excellent alternative and their cost is lower than sapphire brackets; they are less resistant than the latter and their white appearance tends to stain over time.
Metal or conventional brakes
A classic model that continues to offer effective results even today. For this reason they retain their validity; and thanks to its low cost, it remains the first choice for many patients.
lingual braces
These devices are fixed on the back of the teeth to make them invisible to third parties.
Although its effectiveness and aesthetics are not discussed; For some patients, lingual braces are uncomfortable and even responsible for injuries to the tongue. However, another group believes that they only needed to overcome an adaptation stage.
clear aligners
Clear aligners are the latest trend in this type of treatment. These are pieces made of a special and non-deformable type of plastic, which apply forces in the same way as conventional brackets.
Although they are transparent and removable, today their effectiveness is highly proven and there are even personalized versions for children, youth and adults.
Where do they put luxury braces?
On the other hand, beyond the resistance of some people to use devices and their search for the aesthetic and imperceptible; There is a growing trend in the use of so-called luxury braces.
These are orthodontic appliances that do not fulfill any type of corrective function and are used by some people only as a fashion. In fact, in some cases dentists refuse to place them and now they are sold without control through the internet.
Despite being an apparently harmless practice, every day more people are adding this type of decorative devices without any knowledge of the matter; leading to infections, uncontrolled movements and other types of oral problems.
What is the treatment with dental braces?
Basically, the treatment with dental braces begins with the evaluation of the clinical case; which, in general, is referred from a regular dental consultation and must be supported with a series of radiological examinations that allow a diagnosis to be established.
After this, molds of the patient's mouth are made and after a personalized orthodontic study; the type of equipment to be used is selected.
At this point, the patient will await their next appointment for the placement of dental braces for the first time.
In particular, depending on the type of braces chosen, there may be small variations in the way the brackets are placed; but the regular thing is that each piece is fixed in the right place and position to achieve the desired movement. Finally, the bow that controls the movement is placed.
On the other hand, the aligner system offered by Invisalign, for example; It is based on a technology that starts with an intraoral 3D scan. These images are converted into information for computer software where the entire treatment is programmed, and finally they are sent to manufacture the aligners.
After the placement of the devices, the patient must comply with the scheduled visit schedule; so that it is possible to make the necessary adjustments to advance in your treatment, until it is completed.
Once this phase is complete, the braces are removed and retainers are placed in their place; other types of appliances specifically arranged to prevent the teeth from returning to their original position.
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The use of braces with dental implants
Without a doubt, dental implants are becoming more frequent among patients of all ages; and although there is no contraindication in relation to the use of braces, the specialist must analyze the case in 2 possible situations:
That the patient wears implants prior to orthodontics.
Have the implants placed after treatment.
Undoubtedly, the placement of implants after orthodontic treatment offers advantages to act with greater freedom; even becoming unnecessary to place a prosthesis at the end of the treatment (sometimes, the space of the missing tooth is occupied with the displacement of the rest).
However, if the patient already has a fixed prosthesis in his mouth; may require a little more planning. Namely; while in some cases the dental implant limits the movements foreseen by the specialist; on the contrary, sometimes it can serve as an anchor to favor them.
Is it possible to apply dental braces in children?
During the childhood years, the application of dental braces plays a fundamental role in what will be a correct bite and distribution of the teeth, once the stage of development and dental replacement is finished.
That is why, although the recommended age for the application of this type of treatment in children ranges between 11 – 12 years; It is convenient to make your first consultation with the dentist much earlier (around 6, when the child begins to change teeth).
In fact, already at this moment it will be possible to know what your general condition is and make an early diagnosis; Therefore, going to the office preventively will avoid other inconveniences in the future and will be able to schedule an eventual treatment with dental braces in advance.
How long does the treatment with dental braces last?
The duration of treatment with dental brackets depends on the complexity of the case and the type of brackets used. Generally, treatment can last between 18 months and 3 years.
Care and maintenance tips for dental braces
For the care and maintenance of brackets, it is recommended:
Brush teeth after each meal.
Floss daily to maintain good oral hygiene.
Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods that may damage the dental device.
Punctually attend the scheduled maintenance appointments to adjust the brackets, see the progress of the treatment, evaluate and anticipate any problem that may occur.
Can I eat all kinds of food with dental braces?
It is not always easy to eat with dental braces, since these often cause discomfort or pain when chewing certain foods. In this sense, it is important to avoid eating hard, sticky or crunchy foods, which can cause damage to the brackets and delay the orthodontic process.
FAQs
Can braces be placed on teeth with short roots?
Before placing braces, orthodontists evaluate dental health and root extension to determine if bracket placement is feasible. If the roots are very short, this treatment may not be recommended; even so, it is likely that we can suggest other dental correction alternatives.
Do dental braces cause pain or discomfort?
Patients generally experience some pain and discomfort in their teeth and gums after braces are placed, as well as after each adjustment. However, these discomforts are temporary and can be alleviated with pain relievers and the use of wax to cover the brackets and reduce irritation.
Is it necessary to wear retainers after removing dental braces?
Yes, it is necessary to wear retainers after removing dental braces; retainers help keep teeth in the new position and prevent them from shifting again. The type of retainer and the duration of use vary depending on the particular needs of each patient.
Can I remove the brackets on my own once the treatment is finished?
It is not recommended to remove brackets on your own, as this can cause damage to the teeth and impair the results of the treatment. Our advice is to attend follow-up appointments with the orthodontist so that he can remove the brackets safely, being able to evaluate the state of the teeth and gums after treatment.