Understanding what braces are and how they work is an important part of dental healthcare. People all over the world are beginning to accept and understand how useful braces are and how effective they can be to the dental health of an individual.
What are Braces?
Braces are dental devices that are used to correct crooked/crowded teeth or poorly aligned teeth. They are usually recommended by an orthodontist ( A health expert who specializes in braces and providing treatment for misaligned teeth.) The use of braces allows users to straighten their teeth. Dental braces are also used to fix malocclusions, underbites, cross bites, deep bites, gaps, and other teeth weaknesses.
How they work
Braces are designed to help shift and readjust the position of the teeth through the consistent application of force and pressure which over time moves the teeth into the desired position. Braces have four basic parts: brackets, arch wire, bonding material, and ligament elastic otherwise known as “O-ring.”
The motion of the teeth is majorly influenced by the pressure applied by the arch wire on the brackets and the teeth, and sometimes to improve the effectiveness, springs and rubber bands are also added to apply more force in a specific direction.
A process that helps achieve this is the use of Bone Remodeling and Bone Deposition. Bone remodeling is a biomechanical process that involves improving the flexibility of the tooth to give room for a new bone to grow and support the tooth in its new position.
Bone remodeling also involves increasing the strength of bones in response to sustained load-bearing activities and reducing such strength in response to the absence of load. Another vital process involved in adjusting the position of the teeth is bone deposition. Without bone deposition, it will be easier for the tooth to get loose.
The process of adjusting the shape and position is made possible by the membrane that surrounds your teeth. This membrane is under the gums and it supports the bones that keep your teeth rooted to your jaw. Since that membrane regulates the position of your teeth, it instantly responds to the force applied by the braces thus shifting the teeth to the intended location.
Types of braces
There are five major types of braces.
- Metal braces
Metal braces are the most common type of braces and it is used majorly by children and adolescents. Metal braces work by being applied to the teeth and connecting with a wire using elastic ties that usually come in a variety of colors for choice sake. Concerning adjusting the position of the teeth, appointments are made with the orthodontist every 4-8 weeks to adjust the wires.
Metal braces are very versatile and efficient and require less patient compliance for them to work. It is usually very affordable but can be difficult to brush. It is also not recommended for people with poor oral hygiene.
- Ceramic Braces
Usually made of clear, tooth-colored material, they work similarly to metal braces. These braces are more common amongst people who want to be discreet in their use. They are less noticeable and also affordable even though they are larger than metal braces.
- Self-ligating braces
With working principles that are similar to metal and ceramic braces, self-ligating braces use doors and clips to keep the wire in the required position instead of elastic rubber ties. They are also easy to adjust and they are a great choice for people who are very sensitive to discomfort and have developmental delays or needs. Self-ligating braces are also available in metal or ceramic materials.
- Lingual braces
Lingual braces are the least common kind of braces. They are highly specialized and require certain skills that not all orthodontists have. Using Lingual braces come with a host of advantages. They can be fully customized, provide invisibility, and are efficient.
Although they might come with a few inconveniences such as changes to speech or lips, and irritation, lingual braces are best suited for adults with complex needs who desire less noticeable braces.
- Invisalign and Clear aligners
Invisalign and clear aligners are usually recommended for people who have used braces in the past or who experience mild dental challenges. They are easily removable, transparent, and require fewer appointment times. With Invisalign, you can brush and floss and it is faster than other braces.
Benefits of using Braces
The use of braces grants you access to tons of benefits. Here are a few highlighted benefits that you will enjoy when you use braces.
- Braces improve your appearance and looks
- They help prevent gum diseases and dental injuries.
- Braces can be used to enhance speech.
- Braces help to prevent and manage tooth decay.
- They also help ease digestion and prevent bone erosion.
- Braces help to prevent cavities
The key to choosing the best braces for you is determined by your condition and what you want basically. However, it is best such decision is made under the guidance of an experienced orthodontist.
If you need the services of a dentist or orthodontist, it will be a pleasure to be of assistance. Searching for “the best dentist around me” on Google might be effective as you think, but you can as well reach us here to get the best dental services.
