What is braces treatment?

Braces Treatment 

Braces treatment can be applied in every period of life, although it is mostly in the youth years. In particular, it is ensured that misaligned teeth are aligned. In this way, eating and drinking is not only easy, but also provides a pleasant smile. Orthodontics is the field of specialization.

What is braces? 

They are small squares located in front of the teeth. It is applied by orthodontists. A special adhesive is used during application. The braces act as the handle holding the archwires that move the teeth. There are different types. The ones in the least visible format and material from the outside are more preferred due to aesthetic concerns. Some dentists apply braces to the back of the tooth to increase patient compliance.

Why are braces attached? 

Our teeth may show structural defects due to congenital or subsequent trauma, etc. These disorders are treated with braces. Braces are beneficial not only in terms of aesthetics, but also in terms of oral health, biting, chewing and speaking.



Conditions in which corrective treatment with braces are applied are as follows:

• crooked teeth,
• Too much space between teeth
• Upper front teeth that overlap too much with the lower teeth,
• Upper front teeth that bite behind the lower teeth (lower bite)
• Other jaw misalignment issues that cause an irregular bite.

How do braces straighten teeth? 

Braces do not take effect in a short time. It causes the teeth to move slowly in a certain direction by applying pressure to the teeth within months. This movement also slightly changes the underlying bone structure over time.

Types of braces 

Metal/conventional braces: Traditional braces are made of metal. It includes brackets that attach to the front of your teeth or bands that fit around each tooth, as well as flexible wires or archwires that hold the brackets or bands together. Sometimes night-time, removable and extra pressure caps are used.

Ceramic braces: Produced from tooth-colored ceramic. It is more difficult to notice from the outside. It can also be made with stainless steel, transparent materials or gold.

Lingual braces : These braces, which are placed on the back of the tooth facing the tongue, are much more difficult to see from the outside.

Transparent braces : They are transparent, plastic structures and fit the tooth perfectly. A maximum of two hours is removed per day.

Aligner: Using fixed braces can be difficult at times. Transparent aligners can be used in patients who do not have a significant problem in the tooth structure and only need minor corrections. These are removable. Only plain water can be drunk while wearing the aligner. Aligners are removed while eating. Make sure the teeth are thoroughly brushed when putting them back on after a meal. Use dental floss or an interface brush if needed.

braces making 

The orthodontist creates spaces between teeth for orthodontic bands made of stainless steel, clear or tooth-colored material. The bands are wrapped around each tooth.

Archwires attach to brackets and act as rails to guide the movement of your teeth. Ties are small rubber rings or thin wires that attach the archwire to the brackets. The buccal tube in the band of the last tooth holds the end of the archwire securely in place. Small elastic bands called ligatures hold the archwires to the brackets.

The orthodontist may place springs in the archwires between the brackets to push, pull, open or close the spaces between your teeth.

Elastics or rubber bands are attached to the hooks on the brackets. They go between your upper and lower teeth in various ways. They use pressure to move your upper teeth against the lower teeth to ensure a perfect fit.

After fixed wires are placed on your teeth, your dentist periodically adjusts the interconnecting wires by tightening or bending them. This action puts gentle pressure on the teeth and gradually slides them into new positions. The jaw responds to pressure by melting the bone in the path of the moving tooth, leaving new bone behind. Your teeth and jaws may ache a little for the first few days after the adjustment. This discomfort is usually relieved with painkillers. Consult your dentist if the pain is severe or does not go away with painkillers.

After braces are removed, newly straightened teeth need to be stabilized for a while to prevent them from returning to their original position. This is accomplished using a retainer typically made of plastic or plastic and metal wires that helps keep the teeth in place. The holders can be fixed but are mostly removable.

What is the best age to wear braces? 

The ideal age to wear braces is usually around the age of 12 or 13. However, it could be earlier or later. This situation varies according to the person’s mouth structure, needs, and the underlying disease. In advancing ages, the effectiveness of braces decreases, and the treatment period is prolonged.

Will there be pain after braces are placed? 

Your dentist will apply the most suitable method for you to pass the braces installation process and afterwards painlessly and will inform you about what you can do at home.

There may be mild discomfort when braces are fitted, adjusted, and additional devices added. In this case, simple painkillers will reduce your pain. Tell your dentist if you have pain. Your dentist will make some adjustments to reduce the pain.

Does it cause allergies to braces? 

Allergy is not a common situation in braces applications. However, there may be those who are allergic to some materials such as nickel used in braces. In this case, braces made of different materials are preferred.

Care of braces 

Braces, which will give your teeth a more beautiful appearance, can also be harmful to your teeth if not properly cared for. When braces are not cleaned, they hold food residues, create bacteria, stain teeth and cause dental plaque.

Braces should be brushed regularly and food residues should be thoroughly cleaned with mouthwash if necessary. Choose a soft toothbrush as a brush. Brush each tooth from top to bottom and bottom to top with braces. Brush the retainer every time you brush your teeth. But do not use toothpaste on the holder.

How do I use dental floss while I have braces? 

Pass the short end of the floss through the gap between the main archwire and the upper part of the tooth closest to the gum. Use a gentle sawing motion to work the floss on either side of the two teeth located between the floss. Be careful not to pull around the arch wire with too much force.

What foods should I watch out for when I have braces? 

Braces are precision instruments. Hard foods can cause braces to break. The broken piece may cause the teeth to move in the wrong direction.

Foods to consider when using braces include:

• Ice,
• Hazelnut,
• Popcorn,
• Hard candy,
• Chewing gum,
• Hard or hard-to-bite foods such as apples or pretzels
• Corncob,

Can I do sports with braces? 

There is no harm in doing sports with braces. A mouth guard is recommended in sports where there is a risk of impact to the face, such as boxing, in case the braces break and damage your jaw.

Will there be a sore in my mouth after braces are placed? 

Because braces and retainers rub against the lining of the mouth, you may be more prone to canker sores. If aphtha develops, your orthodontist may prescribe a corticosteroid ointment or a different one to relieve pain and irritation and help the wound heal.

How long will I wear braces? 

Braces are often very effective in realigning crooked teeth and creating a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth. On average, it is used for 1-3 years. It may also need longer use. This period is also proportional to your success in following the dentist’s recommendations.

What happens if my braces break? 

Braces are sensitive products. Hard foods can cause braces to break, bands to loosen, and ridges to form. It is not an emergency. However, it is important to solve the problem as soon as possible in terms of both the effectiveness of the treatment and the damage to the oral structures. If there is a serious injury in your mouth due to fractures or protrusions, you may need to consult your dentist urgently.

In the presence of loose tape, the tapes will need to be replaced.

Loose brackets, broken wires, protruding wires can be attached with the help of an orthodontic wax until they are corrected. Your toothpaste will explain how to do this.

If there is a wound in the mouth due to broken wires or protrusions, gargle with salt water can be done.

If loose spacers slip or fall out completely, they will need to be repositioned or replaced.