Dental braces are orthodontic devices designed to align and straighten teeth, correcting various dental irregularities. Their primary purpose extends beyond aesthetics, aiming to improve overall oral health and function by addressing issues such as crooked teeth, crowding, gaps, and misaligned bites. By guiding teeth into proper positions, braces can enhance chewing efficiency and facilitate better oral hygiene, reducing the risk of dental problems like cavities and gum disease. This comprehensive treatment contributes to a healthier mouth and a more confident smile.
Key Components of a Braces System
Traditional braces consist of several interconnected elements that work in unison to facilitate tooth movement. Small attachments called brackets are bonded directly to the front surface of each tooth. These brackets, often made from stainless steel or ceramic, act as anchors and feature a slot through which the archwire passes.
Orthodontic bands, which are thin metal rings, are sometimes cemented around the molars (back teeth). These bands provide a stable anchor point for the archwire or other auxiliary appliances. The archwire itself is a thin, flexible wire, usually made from stainless steel or nickel-titanium alloy, that is threaded through the slots of the brackets. This wire applies continuous, gentle pressure to gradually guide the teeth into their desired positions.
The Bracket Bonding Process
Attaching the brackets to the teeth is a meticulous procedure known as bonding. The process begins with thoroughly cleaning and polishing the tooth surfaces to remove any plaque or debris, ensuring a clean foundation for adhesion. Following cleaning, a cheek retractor is often used to keep the lips and cheeks away from the teeth, maintaining a dry field for bonding.
Next, the tooth enamel is prepared using a phosphoric acid solution, known as etching. This etchant creates microscopic pores on the enamel surface, enhancing its roughness and allowing for a stronger mechanical bond with the adhesive. After rinsing the etchant and drying the teeth, a primer or bonding agent is applied. This primer acts as an intermediary layer, preparing the etched enamel for the adhesive material.
A small amount of dental adhesive is then applied to the back of each bracket. The orthodontist carefully places each bracket onto the precise location on the tooth surface. Once all brackets are accurately positioned, any excess adhesive is removed. Finally, a special blue light is used to cure or harden the adhesive, creating a strong and lasting bond between the bracket and the tooth.
Band Placement and Wire Integration
Orthodontic bands are sometimes used for molars, instead of or alongside bonded brackets. To prepare for bands, small elastic separators might be placed between molars to create space. The orthodontist then selects appropriately sized metal bands, applies dental cement, and carefully fits them around the molars. These bands encircle the tooth, providing strong anchors for the archwire and other appliances.
Once all brackets and bands are secured, the archwire is integrated. This thin, flexible wire is threaded through the horizontal slots on each bracket and through tubes on the molar bands. To hold the archwire within the bracket slots, small elastic ligatures are stretched around the bracket wings. Alternatively, self-ligating brackets possess built-in clips that secure the wire without the need for elastics. This combined system then applies gentle, continuous force to initiate tooth movement.
Adapting to Newly Placed Braces
Immediately after braces are attached, patients experience a period of adjustment. Initial sensations include a feeling of pressure or tightness as the teeth begin to respond to the applied forces. Some discomfort or soreness is common for a few days, particularly when chewing. The presence of new hardware in the mouth can also cause minor irritation to the cheeks, lips, and tongue, which can be alleviated with orthodontic wax applied to rough areas.
Dietary adjustments are necessary; patients are advised to consume softer foods and avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy items that could damage the newly placed braces. Maintaining thorough oral hygiene becomes important, requiring thorough brushing after every meal and careful flossing to prevent food particles and plaque buildup around the brackets and wires.