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Conventional Metal Braces

In recent years, many advances in orthodontic materials have taken place. Braces are smaller and more efficient. The wires now being used are no longer just stainless steel. They are made of alloys of nickel, titanium, copper and cobalt, and some of the wires are heat-activated. These new kinds of wires cause the teeth to continue to move during certain phases of treatment. In addition, braces on the front teeth typically have only the bracket bonded directly to the tooth, minimizing the "tin grin". These "space age" materials advancements exert a steady, gentle pressure on the teeth, so that the tooth-moving process may be faster and more comfortable for patients. Goto section on Technologies for Orthodontic Treatments

Colors on Metal Braces You can express your individuality. Part of the fun of having braces is choosing different-colored elastics at each appiontment. You can celebrate your school spirit, choose black and white for Halloween or select any number of fun colors that shows your style.

Clear Braces Brackets on braces can now be clear make treatment nearly invisible. The polymer-brace is translucent making it one of the most popular aesthetic choices in braces today.

Procedure of Dental Braces Treatment

1. First Evaluation and diagnosis
   • Medical records are made
   • An appropriate treatment plan is made based on analysis of the gathered information
   • An impression of your teeth and jaw is taken for the braces to be made
2. Fitting of braces
• Once ready the braces are placed on with bands that applies the forces required to align teeth
3. Checkup visits are made to adjust your braces on monthly basis
4. Retainers usually need to be worn during night time after braces are removed to prevent relapses

Successful orthodontic treatment is a "two-way street" that requires a consistent, cooperative effort by both the orthodontist and patient. To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must carefully clean his or her teeth, wear rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescibed by the orthodontist, and keep appointments as scheduled. Damaged appliances can lengthen the treatment time and may undesirably affect the outcome of treatment. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their desired positions if the patient consistently wears the forces to the teeth, such as rubber bands, as prescribed. Patients who do their part consistently make themselves look good and their orthodontist look smart.

To keep teeth and gums healthy, regular visits to the family dentist must continue during orthodontic treatment. Adults who have a history of or concerns about periodontal (gum) disease might also see a periodontist (specialist in treating diseases of the gums and bone) on a regular basis throughout orthodontic treatment.

Recovery Expectations

Most people have some discomfort after their braces are first put on or when adjusted during treatment. After the braces are on, teeth may become sore and may be tender to biting pressures for a few days. Patients can usually manage this discomfort well with whatever pain medication they might commonly take for a headache. The orthodontist will advise patients and/or their parents what, if any, pain relievers to take. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces.

Care of Dental Braces

1. Patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard and sticky foods
2. Patients must not chew on pens, pencils or fingernails because chewing on hard things can damage the braces. Damaged braces will almost always cause treatment to take longer.
3. Teeth and braces would need to be kept cleaned every day if the teeth and gums are to be healthy during and after orthodontic treatment
4. Follow your orthodontist directions on how often to brush, how often to floss and he use of other cleaning aids to help maintain good dental health

Goto section on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Orthodontic Treatments