Braces

What are the types of braces?

There are four elements in braces:

1. Brackets
2. bonding material
3. Archwire
4. Ligature elastic

Depending on the presence or absence of an element, the following are the several types of braces used in orthognathic surgery.

• Metal braces: These are the most common, and cheap braces that are usually used. They use stainless steel bands, wire, and brackets that are undetectable by metal detectors. One downside is that they are noticeable.
• Ceramic braces: Ceramic braces are almost like metal ones but are slightly more expensive. The only difference between them is that their brackets and wires are tooth-colored to blend in with the color of your tooth. That is why they are less noticeable than metal braces.
• Lingual braces: Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces. The main difference is that they are placed on the inside of the teeth(lingual side) rather than the upper part. Which makes it less or almost unnoticeable. However, the procedure is costly because the adjustments take much more time than other types of braces.
• Clear aligners: These are also called invisible braces. Clear aligners are good for minor irregularities in teeth, but they are costly as you would need to change them every two weeks. Unlike other types of braces, they are removable, so you can easily eat and clean your teeth.
• Self-ligating braces: They also look very similar to metal braces. However, instead of a ligature elastic, the brackets have a built-in spring to keep the metal wire in place. 

What are the symptoms?

Following are the signs and symptoms that might indicate the need to get braces:

1. If you have visibly crooked or crowded teeth, you may need braces.
2. Finding it difficult to brush or floss around crooked teeth.
3. Having a frequent overbite or underbite, i.e. frequently cutting/biting your tongue.
4. If you face difficulty while eating or speaking because of tooth misalignment, you might need braces.
5. Pressure, or tension on your jaw after chewing food.
6. Teeth that do not come together when your mouth is at rest.
7. Gaping or spacing between your teeth that makes you feel uneasy while smiling or speaking.
8. You want straight teeth.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should consult an orthodontist. We know finding the right doctor and hospital near your locality can be stressful. But you do not have to worry because Doctorfindy is here to make things easier for you. Doctorfindy is an online health portal that provides access to information for different health facilities from every corner of the country. We provide a list of public and private sector hospitals, lists of certified medical experts, and lab test facilities, and help schedule appointments for medical lab tests, regular checkups, and surgical procedures. Book your appointment online with the best orthodontist from the comfort of your home. Doctorfindy is your all-time health assistant; it helps you schedule your weekly follow-ups with your surgeon even after the treatment. 

Most Common Reasons for Braces 

There are several causes of irregularities in teeth, which are:

• Genetics
• Injury or accident to mouth or jaw
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Thumb sucking or using a pacifier after 2 years
• Cleft palate or lips
• Improper dental filling, crowns, or misfitted braces
• Mouth or jaw tumors

Braces Surgery procedure

1. Braces surgery is a procedure in which orthodontists put braces on your teeth to straighten them.
2. They will use a cheek retractor to keep your mouth open and dry for the process.
3. They clean and polish the teeth to prepare the surface for braces application.
4. Then apply dental cement to hold the brackets in place.
5. Once the dental cement is dry and solid, the cheek retractor is removed and metal archwires are put in place.
6. After the braces surgery, you need to go to your doctor regularly for adjustments and to make sure your teeth are moving and coming back into place. 

Can braces cause issues?

Dental braces are generally a safe procedure, but there are some risks associated with their use. These are:

• You may feel tightness, soreness, and pain at the start, but it will go away after 3-5 days of the procedure.
• Braces may cause decalcification or tooth cavities.
• It may cause damage to the soft tissues of the inner cheeks, lips, and gums.
• You can experience ulcers, scratches, discomfort, or toothache.
• It can cause a shortening of root length.
• It often causes tooth decay or gum diseases.