Comprehensive Explanation of the Dental Braces Procedure
When you or your kid receives a referral to an orthodontist for straightening teeth, you begin with a consultation that entails examining and discussing your or your child’s dental history. The orthodontist x-rays the teeth of the patient needing orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth. The x-rays help the orthodontist determine the most appropriate treatment for the patient, including the duration of the therapy.
If the orthodontist feels another treatment option will affect the patient and correct the problems, it will also suit their needs better. In such cases, the professional recommends alternative treatments in fixing the issues with their teeth. If the patient’s subject is complicated, the orthodontist recommends traditional braces consisting of metal brackets, bands, and wires. You may think traditional braces appear ungainly in the mouth to leave the patient with an embarrassing appearance. However, traditional braces have proven themselves over time, not just for straightening teeth but also for correcting jaw alignment issues. Therefore if you or your child is recommended traditional braces, you may as well go ahead with the treatment.
The Placement of Traditional Braces
The orthodontist starts the procedure by placing a cheek retractor to keep their teeth visible and dry during placement. The teeth are polished to ensure the brackets will adhere correctly, after which they are air-dried.
The tooth preparation begins by applying a conditioner to the front surfaces for half a minute for cementing the brackets. The conditioner is cleaned and the teeth dried to place an adhesive primer on them to enhance the cementing.
An adhesive is applied on the back of the brackets, and after that, they are placed in predetermined positions on the teeth. The brackets are hardened with high-intensity light after removing an extra adhesive. After that, the cheek retractor is removed to put the dental archwires in place.
The process for bonding the brackets and placing the archwires requires about 10 to 20 minutes. The time needed for the placement is determined by the time taken to correctly position the components to treat the patient’s specific condition.
You can expect some tightness and soreness after braces placement for around four to six hours, especially after the wires are tightened to move your teeth into their correct positions. The discomfort remains for three to five days and can comfortably be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Regular Adjustments Are Essential with Braces
After braces placement, you must visit the orthodontist regularly for adjustments. The elastic ties holding the wires in their proper place stretch and weaken with time. The wires become incapable of creating the pressure required to correct dental issues unless they are adjusted. During these appointments, your orthodontist will assess the progress and suggests ways to improve the outcome of the treatment.
Tooth movement begins after three weeks indicating many appointments are needed with the orthodontist every three to ten weeks. You will again experience discomfort after the adjustments. However, over-the-counter painkillers are again suggested by the orthodontist to ease the pain you experience.
Life with Traditional Braces
Whether you have traditional braces or invisible braces made from ceramic, you must avoid some foods and maintain proper dental hygiene. Improper brushing can damage your enamel, making it essential for you to brush your teeth at least thrice a day. Cosmetic dentistry near you recommends you carry a toothbrush to work or school after meal times to appropriately maintain dental hygiene.
It would help if you stayed away from sticky foods that become trapped under the braces to cause detachment. Candy and hard foods are also better avoided as they can break the bond between the brackets and the enamel.
End of Treatment
When your teeth have moved into the correct position indicating the end of your treatment, the Forest Park dentist removes your braces in a painless and straightforward procedure. The orthodontist gently breaks the bond between the brackets and your enamel. Squeezing the brackets’ base allows the adhesive bond to release itself to enable removal of the brackets. When performing the removal, the orthodontist leaves the adhesive on the teeth to prevent tooth structure and enamel damage.
A week after the dental braces are removed, you must make an appointment for retainer placement. Retainers are removable orthodontic appliances necessary during the retention period to ensure your teeth don’t move back into their original positions.
After removing your braces, your orthodontist provides you teeth whitening treatments because there will be a noticeable difference in the color where the brackets were cemented to the enamel surface. The treatment leaves you with straighter and better-looking teeth along with a pleasing smile that you will be proud to show off.