What are braces?
Dental braces are group of appliances which are used to align irregularly placed teeth to correct position. Dental braces include brackets, molar bands, arch wires, elastics and separators.
What is procedure involved in placing Braces?
- At first your dentist will examine your oral cavity, teeth and relative position of jaws and if required will suggest for full mouth X-ray.
- Then take impressions of your teeth and pour the cast and analyze them for treatment plan and will explain you about specifically designed treatment plan for you.
- Next step involves scaling and polishing of teeth and dental fillings if any.
- Dentist will place separators in your teeth to gain space and followed by placement of molar bands.
- Then braces will be bonded on to your teeth with an arch wire and modules.
- Then at every 30-45 days it is recommended to change the wire and modules and your dentist will do that until treatment completion.
How much time is required for the completion of treatment?
Depending upon type of malocclusion, severity of malocclusion treatment duration varies from person to person. Usual treatment period is 18 – 36 months along with retainer period.
In cases with sever malocclusion your dentist will advise you with other appliances along with braces.
What are the things to do after receiving Braces?
- Brush twice daily with soft bristles and tooth paste as prescribed by your dentist. Use specifically designed orthodontics brush.
- Do take care of your mouth, gums, and tongue.
- Do not try and bite hard food with front teeth. Make bite size pieces of food and consume.
- Do not use a toothpick or pointed objects.
- Avoid sticky foods like chewing gum, toffee.
- Avoid sweetened beverages as they are decay prone.
- If they loosen, do not try to fix it on your own instead visit your dentist.