Teeth braces or orthodontic braces are used to align or straighten malaligned and crowded teeth and come under a branch of dentistry called orthodontics. Dental braces constantly exert pressure and bring the teeth to the correct arch form.

Teeth braces are generally classified as:

• Traditional braces: they were the ones commonly used. They are metal brackets attached to each of the teeth to which various stainless steel wires are attached to facilitate teeth straightening. Nowadays they are not preferred by patients but still may present as an economical option.
• Ceramic braces: they appear more aesthetic, blending in with the color of teeth, but are susceptible to damage by accidental blows or trauma.
• Lingual braces: these are fitted behind the teeth, thus are not visible to others.
• Invisalign: these are snap on, invisible braces which blend in with the teeth making them invisible. They are removable and can be removed by the patient whenever required, though orthodontic tooth movements with invisalign take a long period and the cost of braces maybe high. Not preferred in complex and difficult cases.

How braces work?

Braces work by the constant application of pressure on the teeth to rearrange the teeth in the desired way. As pressure is applied to a tooth, it moves in the desired direction causing the bony socket to remodel to its new position. Bone remodeling is carried out by bone deposition and resorption at the new site.

An optimum amount of pressure over a period of time results in proper orthodontic treatment. Average tooth movement is said to be about 1mm per month though different people show varying responses to treatment.

Procedure for getting braces

It is necessary to get a consult from an orthodontist to determine if braces are necessary. Oral examination, x-rays and models of the patient’s oral cavity is made to determine and plan the orthodontic treatment. The period of treatment ranges from six months to three years and in severe cases requires orthognathic surgery.

The procedure involves etching of the tooth surfaces to which the brackets are to be bonded. Etching creates micro porosities which increases the surface area of bonding. Next a bonding agent is applied to strengthen the bond between the tooth and composite. The composite is a material which is used to stick the tooth and bracket together. A special light when applied hardens the composite thus retaining the bracket on the tooth. The 1st molars serve as the anchor for movement of the other teeth, thus they are banded with molar bands which are cemented onto them. An arch wire is then attached onto the brackets and fastened with ligatures.

Braces for teeth may hurt when first wearing them but the pain soon subsides. The orthodontist is usually consulted at regular intervals of around every month. The dentist may tighten, modify or replace the arch wire according to the tooth movements attained.

Retainers

After getting the braces off, retainers are appliances which should be worn to retain the teeth in the newly acquired position so that they don’t relapse to their old positions.

It is essential that the patient wears them, if not they would only come to realize later that all the time and money they put over the years would be wasted if the teeth relapse to their old positions.