ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS

Metal Braces

When it comes to teeth, we can set things straight

What Are Metal Braces?

Metal braces are orthodontic appliances to correct your misaligned teeth or malocclusion. It is made with high-grade stainless-steel brackets, each held together with nontoxic dental cement and a metal archwire. This wire follows the curvature of your jaw and is stabilized by a bracket that wraps around the back molar. The archwire and brackets work in tandem with rubber ligature elastic bands (usually interwoven into the brackets) to gradually straighten the teeth into place.

Causes Of Misaligned Teeth

Misaligned teeth can happen as teeth develop or from childhood habits, such as thumb sucking. The most common cause is when the jaw is too small compared with the size of the teeth.

Signs You Need Braces

The signs that an adult needs braces can vary according to age and overall dental health.

Signs that can indicate you need braces to include:

Who Needs The Procedure?

Malocclusion is the dental term for misaligned teeth that can come in nine different types: Braces are necessary when one faces one or more of the following issues:-

Overcrowding: Overcrowding is among the most common causes of adults seeking orthodontic treatment. It is caused because of the lacking space in your mouth.

Spacing: Spacing is caused due to small teeth, prolonged thumb sucking, missing teeth, and tongue thrusting. This issue occurs between two or more teeth, leading to overcrowding and impacting a child’s permanent teeth eruption process.

Open Bite: When your lower and upper front teeth don’t overlap, it causes an opening inside the mouth. This is called an open bite.

Overjet: In overjet, your top teeth protrude from your bottom teeth, resulting in chewing and speaking difficulties.

Overbite: Overlapping on lower teeth to some extent is normal, but when this takes an abnormal form, it causes overbite.

Underbite: An underbite which is also known as anterior crossbite occurs when your lower front teeth protrude far from your upper front teeth.

Crossbite: A crossbite can occur on either side of your jaw, front, or back teeth. When you suffer from a crossbite, your upper teeth bite inside your lower teeth.

Diastema: Generally known as gapping teeth, a diastema is a dental condition in which a space occurs between two adjacent teeth. These teeth are most commonly the front two teeth.

Missing Tooth: A missing tooth, also called hypodontia, is caused by improper teeth development or trauma.

Pros And Cons Of Pits and Fissure Sealants

Pros

Cons

Metal braces are better at handling extreme misalignments and overcrowding than alternative orthodontic procedures.
Metal braces are typically the most cost-effective form of orthodontic treatment on the market.
The brackets and elastics can be colored and customized, which may be appealing to younger patients.
Since metal braces are fixed into place, there is less risk of them being lost or contaminated.

Metal braces are more visible than ceramic braces and clear braces, which could negatively impact the patient’s self-esteem.
Patients wearing metal braces will have to avoid certain foods that can potentially damage the archwire.
While great innovations have been made to reduce discomfort, it’s not uncommon to experience pain and soreness through the first week of wearing metal braces, and a little tightness after each adjustment.
Patients who have a tight schedule may have a difficult time keeping up with monthly follow-up appointments.
Metal braces cannot be removed or adjusted at your leisure — all of that must be done by an experienced dentist. Wearing them 24/7 potentially entails 24/7 complications with brushing your teeth, flossing between your teeth, and eating certain foods.
Metal braces require more frequent brushing and maintenance.

Metal Braces: Before and After

Initial Consultation

During the initial consultation, our orthodontists will take a quick look at your teeth using x-rays and may even take some impressions.

The dentist will also take some photos of your face, mouth, and smile. This helps us better determine how long your treatment may take and prepare a treatment plan. Also, it is fun to look back at the photos after your braces come off!

Metal Braces Placement

First, our orthodontist will clean the teeth to prevent any bacteria from being trapped by the brackets.
Next, metal brackets are attached to each tooth using bonding glue. Then, a wire is placed through the brackets.
Finally, the wire is secured by rubber bands. Some patients like to express themselves through color, while others like simple, clear bands.
You may experience discomfort following the placement of your braces. This is common, and the slight pain can last a few days.
Cold and soft foods like ice cream, yogurt, or smoothies may offer some relief.
Over-the-counter pain medicine can also help alleviate the discomfort, while orthodontic wax will help prevent scratching or irritation.

Maintenance and Adjustments

You’ll visit our office about once every month for a checkup and to have your braces adjusted. Your teeth are realigning, We’ll adjust your wires and replace your bands. These appointments are only about 30 minutes.

During this time, practice proper dental hygiene. you should be brushing and flossing at least twice per day, You should stay away from hard or crunchy foods that can break your braces.

Taking Care For Metal Braces

To keep your metal braces in good condition, be sure to only eat foods that are braces-friendly, routinely brush and floss, and be sure to keep up with continuous follow-up appointments.

Removal Of Metal Braces

After one to three years (depending on your age and the complexity of your case), you’ll have your braces removed. We’ll gently remove the brackets by breaking the bonding beneath them and then cleaning the adhesive from your teeth.

Taking Care To Maintain Results After Metal Braces

The most important step of the process of getting braces comes after the braces are removed. You’ll be fit for a retainer, which you’ll be required to wear regularly. This ensures your teeth don’t shift in alignment and that the beautiful smile you’ve worked so hard for stays in place.

FAQ's

What is the right age for braces?

Parents should consult an orthodontist about it. It is when the permanent growth of the child begins which is normally around the age of 7, the child can get braces. It is not necessary that the child will get braces right away, but it is a good option to get an orthodontist’s evaluation.

What are the different types of braces?

The different types of braces are:-

Metal wired braces
Clear braces
Gold-plated
stainless
steel braces
Lingual braces
Titanium braces
Progressive, clear removable aligners ( Invisalign, Clear Correct)
Smart brackets
A-braces

Are braces painful?

Braces usually cause soreness and discomfort when they are placed, which might last for a few days. The first few days will be uncomfortable as your mouth needs to get adjusted to the realignment process, the metal wires, elastic bands, and all.

How long does one need to wear braces?

Normally, you might need to wear your braces for 1-3 years, followed by the use of the retainer. The more the severity of your problem, the longer you need to wear your braces.

Is removal of teeth necessary in braces treatment?

No, it is not always necessary to remove teeth in braces treatment. Sometimes with the help of an expander, enough space is created, so as to not require the removal of teeth.

Regain Your Happy Smile in Healthy Way

Be it a dental checkup, an inquiry about a dental procedure, or correcting your dental issues, we assure quality care and a happy smile with flexibility in appointment scheduling.