Dental braces — more commonly simply called "braces" — come in a wider variety than you may expect, but all these devices ultimately put pressure on the teeth to move them and their roots into new positions.
Children are advised to get braces for a number of reasons, including:
- Larger gaps between the teeth
- Teeth that are overlapping each other or that are misaligned in some other way
- Teeth have erupted and settled into a position that's not esthetically pleasing
- A difference in the size of the upper jaw as compared to the lower jaw.
- A child may have had habits like thumb sucking, the prolonged use of a pacifier beyond six years of age, or tongue thrusting, which again lead to misaligned teeth — but don’t worry, with the right type of braces the perfect smile is within reach for the vast majority of patients.
The branch of dentistry that deals with malocclusion, or the improper positioning of the teeth, is called orthodontics — and it could do wonders for patients' dental health, looks, and functionality.
The right age for the first orthodontic visit may be as early as seven years of age, or as late as 45 or 50 years of age, depending on the problem the patient is suffering from. Age does impact the type of braces the patient may be a suitable candidate for.
A seven-year-old child may be prescribed the use of a Headgear or a Forsus Appliance, which is used before actual braces to allow the permanent teeth to erupt in a better position, which can later be further corrected with another type of braces.
1. Traditional metal braces
Traditional braces are made of stainless steel. Metal brackets are fixed onto all the teeth with an adhesive, and a metallic archwire passes through each of these brackets. This design puts pressure on the teeth, gently guiding them into the desired position over time. Each bracket has a colorful rubber band around it, which is changed during each orthodontic visit, when the wiring may also be tightened. Traditional braces are the most commonly used type of braces all over the world.
2. Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces function very similarly to metal braces. The main differences between these two is that many patients will consider ceramic braces to look better, as the metal bracket that would be attached to each tooth in the case of traditional braces is replaced with clear ceramic brackets.
The main advantage of using ceramic braces is that they look less obtrusive. However, the wire running through ceramic braces is still made of metal, so these braces are not invisible. Ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces and may discolor over time due to the rubber bands and the individual patient's diet.
3. Self-ligating braces
Self-ligating braces are available with both metal and ceramic brackets, and don't make use of elastics or rubber bands. The wire is joined to the brackets with the help of clips. This is a newer technology than the previous two, so self-ligating braces are also more expensive.
The advantage of self-ligating braces is that it is easier for a child to maintain good oral hygiene while they have the braces on, as they are easier to brush around. The rubber bands in the traditional braces tend to trap food on the tooth's surface; for long periods of time unless meticulous oral hygiene is practiced.
Self-ligating braces are also more aesthetically-pleasing when compared to the traditional metal and ceramic alternatives. Again, though, the wire running through them is still made of metal. Self-ligating braces facilitate the same treatment to be completed faster as compared to traditional braces, a major advantage for some patients.
Damon braces are a type of clear self-ligating braces in which the wire is attached to the brackets with a slide mechanism. Damon braces move naturally as the teeth realign. The biggest advantage is that this requires fewer visits to the dental office as these braces gradually tighten on their own. Damon braces exert less pressure on the teeth than all the previous types of braces, and are less obtrusive than metal braces. However, the wire running through them is again made of metal and damon braces are an expensive option too.
4. Lingual braces
Lingual braces are highly specialized braces that are placed on the inside of the tooth. The brackets for these braces are customized for the shape of the inner side of each individual tooth. Lingual braces, too, have a wire running through them, and also feature rubber bands around the brackets.
Lingual braces are not suitable for all kinds of orthodontic treatment, and the orthodontist decides who is a candidate. The biggest advantage of these braces is that they are not visible on the outside of the teeth at all, allowing patients to look like they aren't wearing braces at all. The disadvantage of lingual braces is that the tongue may rub against them for a while before the wearer gets accustomed. Lingual braces are an expensive option fitted by specialized orthodontists trained in their use only. They are more of a treatment option for adults.
5. Clear aligners
Clear aligners are removable transparent or invisible braces. They are custom-made "trays" that snugly fit on the upper and lower teeth and gently move them like braces. Clear aligners can be worn throughout the day and are removed only when eating, drinking, and brushing. The patient is given multiple sets of trays for their upper and lower teeth, which are changed every two to three weeks after wearing one set for 20 hours per day.
The most popular brand of clear aligners is Invisalign.
The advantage of these invisible braces is that the dentist will be able to show you the final outcome of the treatment before you even begin, by way of a computerized analysis. Invisible braces are also a more favored option for young adults or adults who will follow the discipline of wearing the aligners for the required number of hours and who have a professional imagine to maintain. They are not recommended for all orthodontic treatment cases, but can be used in the majority of cases. Invisalign and similar braces are an expensive option as well.
A final word
Treatment with most kinds of braces is followed by a period during which retainers are used. Retainers are removable appliances that stabilize and maintain the result of the orthodontic treatment so that the patient's smile will remain perfect for a long time to come.
Sometimes, the use of braces needs to be accompanied by treatment with other appliances like a palatal expander, or by minor surgical procedures like a frenectomy. The extraction of two to four teeth may also be required to create space in case of overcrowded teeth. Modern orthodontics is highly evolved and will be able to give predictable results through any one of these options.
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