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What are braces?

Braces are dental appliances used in orthodontics to correct crooked teeth, malocclusions and / or misaligned bites ( underbites, overbites, open bites, deep bites, cross bites) and various other flaws of teeth and jaw.
Dental braces are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to help widen the palate or jaws and assist in shaping the teeth while also working to improve dental health.

What Types of Braces Are Available?

Braces may consist of bands, wires, and other fixed or removable corrective appliances.
Traditional metal wired braces are stainless steel and are the most common type of braces. These braces have a metal bracket with elastic (rubber band) ties holding the wire onto the metal brackets.
“Clear” braces serve as a cosmetic alternative to traditional metal braces by blending in more with the natural colour of the teeth or having a less conspicuous or hidden appearance.
Typically, these brackets are made of ceramic or plastic materials and function in a similar manner to traditional metal brackets.
Gold-plated stainless steel braces are often employed for patients allergic to nickel (a basic and important component of stainless steel), but may also be chosen because some people simply prefer the look of gold over the traditional silver-coloured braces.
Lingual braces are a cosmetic alternative in which custom-made braces are bonded to the back of the teeth making them externally invisible.
Titanium braces resemble stainless steel braces but are lighter and just as strong. People with allergies to the nickel in steel often choose titanium braces, but they are more expensive than stainless steel braces.

How Do Braces Work?

Braces work by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to slowly move teeth in a specific direction resulting in the bone changing shape.

How Long Will I Have to Wear Braces?

The time required for braces varies from person to person, depending on:
the severity of the problem;
the amount of room available;
the distance the teeth must travel;
the health of the teeth, gums and supporting bone;
most important, how closely the patient follows instructions.
On average, once the braces are put on, they usually remain in place for one to three years.
After braces are removed, most patients will need to wear a retainer all the time for the first six months, then only during sleep for many years.

How Often Will I Need to See the Orthodontist During Treatment?

Your orthodontist will want to see you about every month or so in order to make sure the braces are exerting steady pressure on the teeth.
To create more tension and pressure on your teeth, the orthodontist will make adjustments in the wires, springs, or rubber bands of the braces.

Will Braces Be Painful?

Pain and discomfort are common after adjustment and may cause difficulty eating for a time, often a couple of days. During this period, eating soft foods can help avoid additional pressure on teeth.

Does the Age Affect the Success of Braces?

The mechanical process used to move teeth with braces is the same at any age. So the benefits of orthodontic treatments are available to both children and adults who wish to improve their appearance and bite.
The main differences between treatments in adults and children is that certain corrections in adults may require more than braces alone and the treatments may take longer because adult bones are no longer growing.

Can I Continue to Play Sports While Wearing Braces?

If you have braces, you can continue to participate in any sport you choose. When playing sports where there is a possibility of getting hit in the mouth, a specially designed mouthguard will need to be worn.
The mouthguard, made of durable plastic, is designed to fit comfortably over your braces and will protect the soft tissues inside the mouth.

What are the complications and risks associated with braces?

• Plaque Formation – Plaque forms easily when food is retained in and around braces.
• Allergic Reaction – There is a small chance of allergic reaction to the elastics or to the metal used in braces. The resultant mouth sores can be taken care of by using oral rinses and other products that help heal sores.
• Damage to Braces – Braces can also be damaged if proper care is not taken. It is important to wear a mouth guard to prevent breakage and/or mouth injury when playing sports. Frequent damage to braces can prolong treatment.
• Tooth Loss Following Bone Loss – Bone loss due to periodontal disease may lead to tooth loss during treatment. Patients with periodontal disease usually must obtain periodontal treatment before getting braces. A deep cleaning is performed, and further treatment may be required before beginning orthodontic treatment.
• Displacment of Wire – When teeth move, the end of the arch wire may become displaced, causing it to poke the back of the patient’s cheek. Dental wax can be applied to cushion the protruding wire. The orthodontist must be called immediately to have it clipped, or a painful mouth ulcer may form.
• Braces Popping Off – In the course of treatment orthodontic brackets may pop off due to the forces involved, or due to cement weakening over time. The orthodontist should be contacted immediately. In most cases the bracket is replaced.

What precautions should I take till the time I am wearing braces?

• It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing thoroughly when wearing braces to prevent tooth decay, decalcification, or unpleasant color changes to the teeth.
• Interdental brushing may be recommended as an alternative to flossing as the latter may be difficult or unrecommended with braces.
• Regular use of mouthwash is also recommended.
• Certain sticky or hard foods such as taffy, raw carrots, hard pretzels, and toffee should be avoided because they can damage braces.

FAQs on braces