Dental Braces

Braces

Dental braces are an orthopaedic appliance to straighten teeth. Braces work by securing wire tracks against the teeth to train teeth to grow in a straight line. The principle for orthodontic braces for adults and children is the same: Orthodontists bond brackets to the teeth and thread wire between them. The wire is tightened to apply pressure onto the teeth keeping them straight and in alignment. The wire is adjusted as the teeth move to keep the pressure on teeth until the orthodontic treatment is complete. Adult orthodontic patients may require dental braces for just one or two months. Children usually require braces for a couple of years until all adult teeth have grown.

Children's braces

Dentists understand that many children are afraid of the dentist and the number of appointments necessary to fit dental pediatric braces and straighten teeth will be as limited as possible. To minimize the amount of times a child has to visit a dentist, 'self-litigation' braces that can be altered at home are more commonly used than braces which require repeat dental appointments to adjust the dental wire. Self litigation dental braces use a technique that allow the wire to slide in and out of the bracket, putting less pressure on teeth and allowing parents to adjust the wire at home. Colored brackets can be attached to make braces more attractive to children.

Adult braces

Teenagers and adults may need braces either as a result of neglected orthodontic treatment, adjustment of teeth following the eruption of wisdom teeth into the gum or because injury has moved the teeth. To prevent any self consciousness over the wearing of braces, orthodontists recommend having ceramic brackets fitted to hold the wire in place. Ceramic brackets blend into the natural color of teeth and are less noticeable. So-called 'invisible' brackets made of clear plastic are available at some dental clinics.  

Dental retainers

Orthodontists provide patients with dental retainers to wear once dental braces have been removed. Orthodontic retainers are worn for a couple of hours a day (normally overnight) and help hold teeth in position as the gum and tissue adjust around the new alignment of the teeth. If dental braces are fitted to children's teeth, dentists advise that retainers are worn into the early twenties when adult teeth finish growing and the wisdom teeth have begun to erupt.

Related guides

• Dental Braces
• Invisalign - Invisible braces

Other guides

• Dental Hygiene
• Gum disease
• Childrens' Dentistry
• Common Dental Problems
• Teeth whitening
• Reconstructive dentistry
• Dental Implants
• Dental Crowns
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Dental Veneers
• Dental Treatment in Mexico

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