Dental braces are a common orthodontic treatment used to correct various dental issues such as crooked teeth, misaligned bites, and overcrowding. They consist of brackets, wires, and bands that work together to apply gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into their desired position.
This comprehensive article will explore everything about dental braces offered by the NW Albuquerque dentist to help keep you informed.
When are dental braces indicated?
Here are the indications for dental braces:
- Crowding: Overlapping or crowded teeth.
- Spacing: Gaps between teeth.
- Overbite: Upper teeth overlap lower teeth.
- Underbite: Lower teeth overlap upper teeth.
- Crossbite: Upper and lower teeth bite incorrectly.
- Open bite: Teeth don’t meet when biting.
- Misaligned teeth: Teeth are crooked or tilted.
- Impacted teeth: Teeth are trapped in the gum or bone.
- Overjet: Upper teeth protrude excessively.
- Habits: Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or nail biting.
- Orthodontic relapse: Teeth have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment.
- Dental restoration: Braces are needed before or after dental restorations like crowns or bridges.
- Periodontal treatment: Braces are needed before or after periodontal treatment.
- TMD treatment: Braces are needed to address temporomandibular joint disorders.
- Aesthetic concerns: Braces are desired for cosmetic reasons.
What are the types of dental braces?
There are several types of dental braces, including:
- Metal Braces: Traditional braces made of stainless steel or titanium.
- Ceramic Braces: Tooth-colored brackets made of ceramic material.
- Clear Aligners: Removable, invisible aligners like Invisalign.
- Lingual Braces: Brackets placed behind the teeth, invisible from the front.
- Self-Ligating Braces: Brackets with a built-in clip, eliminating the need for elastic bands.
- Clear Braces: Transparent or tooth-colored brackets.
- Titanium Braces: Strong, lightweight brackets made of titanium.
- Damon Braces: Self-ligating brackets with a unique sliding mechanism.
- SmartClip Braces: Self-ligating brackets with a clip system.
- Invisalign Teen: Clear aligners designed for teenagers.
- ClearCorrect: Clear aligners similar to Invisalign.
- 3M Clarity Braces: Clear brackets with a metal slot.
What are the benefits of dental braces?
Benefits of dental braces include:
- Improved Oral Health: Braces help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Braces can significantly improve the appearance of your smile.
- Boosted Confidence: Straight teeth can boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Better Chewing and Speaking: Properly aligned teeth improve chewing and speaking functions.
How are dental braces fixed in your mouth?
Here is the procedure of traditional dental braces:
- Initial Consultation: Discuss treatment options and expectations with your orthodontist.
- Mouth Preparation: Teeth are cleaned and prepared for bracket placement.
- Bracket Placement: Brackets are attached to the teeth using a special adhesive.
- Wire and Band Placement: Wires and bands are placed to connect the brackets.
- Adjustments: Regular adjustments are made to tighten the wires and achieve desired results.
- Monitoring Progress: Regular check-ups to monitor progress and make adjustments.
- Debranding: Braces are removed after treatment is complete.
- Retention: A retainer is placed to maintain the new position of the teeth.
- Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments to ensure teeth remain in position.
Additionally, some procedures may include:
- Spacers: Placed between teeth to create space for brackets.
- Bite Turbos: Small attachments to help correct bite issues.
- Elastics: Rubber bands to help correct bite issues
- Surgical Orthodontics: Surgery to correct severe jaw issues.
How do you care for your dental braces?
Care and maintenance of dental braces include the following:
- Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing.
- Dietary Restrictions: Avoid hard, sticky, or sugary foods that can damage braces.
- Regular Check-Ups: Attend regular check-ups with your orthodontist.
Dental braces are a highly effective orthodontic treatment that can transform your smile and improve your oral health. With various types of braces available, you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. By following proper care and maintenance, you can ensure a successful treatment outcome and enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come.
