Incorrect bite can cause a lot of complexes. Therefore, many parents are considering installing braces for their children when the first signs of curvature appear. At the same time, they have a lot of questions about the procedure itself. How is the installation of braces? How long do you need to wear them? The answers to these and other questions can be found in this article.
What are braces
Correct bite is necessary not only for beauty, but also for he alth. The curvature of the dentition causes excessive tension of the masticatory muscles, which leads to their increased fatigue, the enamel begins to wear off faster, chipped fillings and pain appear.
Brackets are structures designed to correct a person's bite. They put long-term 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 both on dairy and onpermanent teeth. 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, an adult and a child.
How braces work
The design of the system is designed in such a way as to gradually move uneven teeth to the right places due to the force of pressure. The process is carried out due to four main elements: wire arc, ligature, bonding and the brackets themselves. In some cases, the orthodontist uses special rubber springs or rings to provide extra pressure. The continuous impact of the installed braces on the teeth leads to their gradual movement and fixation in a new place. Under the influence of the pressure force, the root sheath is stretched 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 moves within a month by 1 millimeter, but the figure may vary depending on the individual characteristics and the method of treatment of the patient. The entire period of treatment is necessary to carry out the replacement and correction of the arch, which has the shape of a regular dentition. This must be done to change the force of 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 orthodontist.
The doctor before installing braces should:
- Carefully examine the patient's mouth.
- Send the patient for X-ray, afterwhy study the resulting image.
- Develop multiple 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 tell you the estimated cost and duration of treatment. He will not be able to give exact figures, since it depends on other factors that do not depend on the qualifications of the doctor.
Preparation
The treatment period ranges from 2 months to 2-3 years. Therefore, before installing braces, the doctor carries out a number of activities:
- Professional cleaning of the oral cavity. The procedure is necessary to remove soft plaque, as well as hard deposits. There are several options for its implementation: mechanically, ultrasound, laser or application of chemical reagents.
- Rehabilitation 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, because during the period of wearing braces, dental treatment becomes problematic.
How to install vestibular braces
There are two types of fixation of the corrective device. One is attached to the outer surface of the teeth - the vestibular system. The second is located on the inside and remains inconspicuous - the lingual design. When installing the vestibular system, the following factors are taken into account: the type of fastening, the presence of ligatures, the method of glue solidification. Preferably before the procedureeat a hearty meal to reduce salivation.
The standard installation process for a non-ligature vestibular system is as follows:
- A special dilator is inserted into the patient's mouth. This is necessary for convenience during the work of the orthodontist, as well as to protect the patient's lips from injury and glue.
- The doctor attaches the bracket to each tooth in order. In this case, the location of the plate is measured by the positioner. The assistant applies a special adhesive to the back of the system. After the orthodontist makes sure that the bracket is correctly placed, it 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 placed on the last tooth in the row.
- The specialist fixes the corrective arc on the braces. Usually the procedure is carried out from the left side. When installing a non-ligature system, the arc is threaded in turn into the groove of each bracket, snapping the lock at the end. When using a ligature construction, special elastic bands are put on.
- Excess archwire is trimmed or bent after connecting 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 for both the patient and the specialist to endure 3 hours.
How lingual braces are fitted
The process of fixing the internal structure system is a completely different scenario.
Before installing braces, the orthodontist carries out a number of preparatory work:
- Images, casts and 3D models of the patient's jaw.
- The specialist makes a copy of the client's dentition from special materials.
- A bracket system is modeled on the artificial jaw.
- The assembled structure is fixed with permanent adhesive 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 getting braces
Installation of an alignment system requires a change in oral care habits. To do this, you need to purchase such tools: orthodontic and single-beam brushes, a toothbrush, mouthwash and toothpaste.
The first day after the installation of braces is the most difficult. To alleviate the patient's condition, doctors advise using the following recommendations:
- To relieve pain in the gums, it is necessary to rinse with a s alt solution - 1 teaspoon per 200 ml of water for 3 times a day.
- If the cheek was injured during the installation of braces, then you need to isolate it with protective wax and rinse your mouth with an antiseptic.
- With severe growing pain, you can take an anesthetic pill: Tempalgin, Spazmalgon or Analgin.
It is necessary to visit a doctor regularly to activate the system. It consists in replacing ligatures, arcs andthe rest of the 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. Failure to do so may result in unforeseen consequences.
Features of food
After the installation of braces, it is necessary to adhere to some restrictions in food. This is necessary to avoid staining the teeth and breaking the structure.
Unwanted Food List:
- Foods that can damage braces: nuts, lollipops, crackers. Hard fruits and vegetables should be cut into small pieces beforehand.
- Sticky and stretchy foods: toffee, corn sticks, chewing gum, buns. Such food "sticks" to the locks of the braces, which makes it difficult to clean them further. 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 fluctuations can destroy the sensitive elements of the braces design and adversely affect tooth enamel.
During the period of adaptation to the system, you should eat liquid and soft food: cereals, yogurts, mashed potatoes, jelly.
How long should you wear braces?
Treatment can last from 6 months to 2 years or more. The time of wearing the braces depends on the goals and age of the patient. When installing braces for an adult, treatmentcan 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 retainers on the lower jaw - a thin wire that holds the dentition together. They also use a cap on the upper jaw, which is worn at night. Adapting to the new system is quick and painless. Adults wear rainers for at least 5 years, and teenagers wear them 2 times longer.
Metal braces
This system is considered the most popular due to its availability and reliability. Installation of metal braces 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.
- Treatment interval is shorter.
- Painless.
Flaws:
- Spoil the appearance.
- Inconvenient to use.
- May cause discomfort and irritate gums when worn.
Ceramic braces
This tooth alignment system is made of special glass and has a transparent structure. Due to this, it practically merges with the tooth enamel and becomes invisible to others. Therefore, it is preferred by adults and teenagers. The most popular installation of braces (including in St. Petersburg) primarily because of its cost. Ceramic braces do not stain after eating (except cola, coffee, curry).
Benefits:
- Inconspicuous to others.
- Comfort to wear.
- High strength.
Flaws:
- Sometimes may stain.
- Long-term treatment.
- High cost.
- Quite voluminous.
- Not suitable for severe malocclusion.
Sapphire braces
Same properties as 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 irritate the gums. Invisalign aligners are not suitable for people with severe malocclusion.
Benefits:
- Mouthguards are almost invisible to others.
- Easy maintenance and removable.
- Does not irritate gums.
- Mouthguards are less painful than fixed correctors.
- Does not stain.
- Comfortable to wear.
- During treatment, computer prediction and correction of treatment is carried out.
Flaws:
- Intermittent effect on teeth.
- The result of treatment depends on the habit of wearing Invisalign braces. The patient should wear them for at least 20-22 hours a day, taking breaks only while brushing their teeth and eating.
- High cost.
- Not suitable for people with severe malocclusion. Sometimes it is necessary to wear conventional braces after wearing Invisalign.
- Regular cleaning of mouth guard before reuse.
- The patient candamage the braces if he has a habit of grinding his teeth.
Lingual braces
This bite alignment system is positioned behind the teeth, making it virtually invisible. Most lingual braces are made of metal. After the system is installed, the patient may experience pain and irritation of the tongue, as well as difficulty chewing solid food and, rarely, a speech disorder. After the adaptation period, which is from 3 to 7 days, the unpleasant symptoms will disappear.
Benefits:
She is invisible to others
Flaws:
- High cost.
- Not applicable for severe bite problems.
- Difficult adjustment period.
- Not suitable for patients with short anterior teeth.
Installation of braces on the lower jaw
Partial bite correction is performed quite rarely - in 5% of cases. Installation of a bracket system on one jaw is carried out if the deformation is insignificant and both dentitions are symmetrical. In this case, the molars and canines should be located strictly opposite each other. It is necessary that no more than two teeth out of the total amount 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. The following systems are used for correction: metal, lingual, sapphire and ceramic.
Features of correction:
- Aligning teeth in this area is more problematic.
- Correction takes longer.
- The amount of materials used is less.
- Leveling the lower dentition is cheaper than the upper jaw.
Installation of braces on the upper jaw
Requirements for the correction of 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 of manufacture, ceramic, sapphire, metal and polymer constructions are used.
And it is also possible to choose ligature and non-ligature systems. The former are most in demand due to their lower cost. Their design consists of ligatures and elastic rings, with the help of which the arc is attached to the braces. The latter are attached much faster thanks to self-adjusting mechanisms. Non-ligature systems speed up the speed of jaw correction and provide more comfortable oral hygiene.
Features of correction:
- The procedure is most in demand for aesthetic reasons.
- Treatment takes less time due to slightly crowded teeth.
- More designs available for upper jaw correction.
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 right design in a particular case, after which he will conduct a monthly examinationand system activation. Before installing braces, you need to prepare, and then take care of the oral cavity with the help of special tools.
