Answers to common questions about orthodontic braces
Having dental problems is a big problem for many people. Some people have crooked teeth. And some others may have dental bite problems such as underbite or open bite. Fortunately, despite the significant advances in the specialized field of orthodontics, there are many and varied treatments to solve the problems of these people. If you also suffer from such problems, you can straighten your teeth and make a more beautiful smile with the help of orthodontic specialists easily and using different tools.
One of the orthodontic devices and tools that dentists and orthodontists use to align and straighten your teeth are braces. Many dentists do the job of straightening your teeth, but none of them can do it as well as a good orthodontist. Because these specialists have extraordinary skills in solving problems related to beauty and arranging teeth. So who better than them?
In this article, we have tried to answer the most common questions about the use of orthodontic braces. If you have any questions about this orthodontic tool, be sure to read this article.
Types and main components of orthodontic braces
If the final option to straighten and fix your teeth problems is to use braces, be sure that the dentist or orthodontist will use unique braces according to your needs. Braces can include the following parts:
- Clause
- the wire
- bracket
The use of braces depends on your needs and the diagnosis of your dentist, so the use of this tool can be different from person to person.
How does orthodontic brace work?
These special tools should be used for a certain period of time, so that you can see the changes on your teeth. Normally, braces change the direction and arrange them by applying pressure on your teeth in the long term. Therefore, it is necessary to make positive changes in the coordination and order of the teeth, applying constant pressure and dedicating a long time. These tools will gently adjust the teeth in a specific direction. Over time, with the slow and long-term movement of the teeth, the shape of the bone and the position of the teeth holder is also changed.
How long an orthodontic brace should be used?
The time required to use this tool depends on various factors. But in general, the most important factor in this regard can be the type and severity of the teeth problem. Therefore, the duration of using orthodontic braces varies from person to person. In addition to the severity of the existing problem, the following factors also play a role in the duration of using braces:
- The amount of space inside the mouth
- The amount of displacement and the distance that the teeth have to change direction (for example, a person’s teeth may be too crooked or too few of them are crooked)
- Overall health of teeth, gums and supporting bones
- and the level of cooperation of the person during the orthodontic treatment process
But roughly, it can be said that those who use these tools must tolerate the presence of these tools on their teeth for a total period of 1 to 3 years. After removing the braces, most patients need to use retainers for the first six months. However, after these 6 months, they only need to continue wearing retainers while sleeping for a few more years.
During the orthodontic treatment with braces, how often should you visit the orthodontist?
Usually, the orthodontist asks you to visit him almost once a month to evaluate the treatment. During these sessions, he makes sure that the braces and their components apply pressure on the teeth correctly. If your teeth need more pressure, your orthodontist will increase the pressure on the teeth by tightening the wires and other components of the brace. Sometimes it is possible that using braces is not enough to solve your problem. In this situation, your specialist uses other tools such as headgears.
Is it painful to use orthodontic braces?
Usually, using this tool is not painful. But while connecting them to the teeth, he may feel discomfort and slight pain in the area of the teeth and mouth. If you experience minor pain, you can use over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen. If you experience pain after each braces adjustment, be sure to tell your orthodontist to adjust them in a different way.
Does age have an effect on the success rate of using braces?
The type of process and nature of this orthodontic treatment is the same in children and adults. Because the use of this tool involves the application of pressure and slight displacement of the teeth. Therefore, braces can be used to treat teeth problems in both age groups. But the quality and duration of treatment in children and adults are usually different. It is natural that in childhood, given that the teeth and bone structures are still growing and developing, it will be much easier to make changes than in adults. But in adults, due to the full growth of teeth and bones, orthodontic treatment may be a little more than braces. In addition, the duration of treatment is longer in adults than in children.
Can you do sports and similar activities while wearing an orthodontic brace?
Even with this tool, you can still do your favorite sport. If there is a possibility of impacting your mouth and teeth in the type of sport you do, it is better to consider the necessary precautions. And be sure to use mouth guards. Made of durable plastic, these bumpers and guards are designed to fit comfortably over your braces and protect the soft tissue around your teeth.
What happens after the braces are removed?
After these braces are removed from your teeth, the dentist or orthodontist will brush your teeth. After washing, just like the stage before braces, your mouth and teeth will be photographed with the help of X-rays.
The purpose of taking pictures is to make sure the braces are working. The dentist wants to know how successful the treatment with this tool has been. In addition to ensuring a treatment solution, the dentist must ensure that your wisdom teeth have not erupted. Or have not come out recently. If this is the case and your wisdom tooth has grown, it will be pulled by your orthodontist, as it can be a serious and dangerous threat to the alignment of your teeth.
The orthodontic treatment of teeth braces is not finished yet. And to make things even stronger, you now have to use another tool. You will be given a unique and special appliance that is necessary to maintain the harmony and new alignment of your teeth. This device is a retainer. Retainers can also be used to treat minor orthodontic problems. The use of a retainer is an important part of post-braces care.
