Orthodontic Braces

 

Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry that addresses the diagnosis, prevention and correction of mal positioned teeth and jaws mal aligned bite patterns. It may also address the modification of facial growth known as dento-facial orhtopedics. Treatment may require several months to few years, and entails using the dental braces and other appliances to gradually adjust tooth position and jaw alignment. In cases where the malocclusion is severe, jaw surgery may be incorporated in the treatment plan. Orthodontists provide a wide range of treatment options to straighten irregular teeth, fix irregular bites, align the jaws correctly .
       In growing patients there are more options to treat skeletal discrepancies, either by promoting or restricting the growth using Functional appliances, Orthodontic headgear or Reverse-pull facemask. Most orthodontic work begins in the early permanent dentition stage before skeletal growth is completed. If the skeletal growth is completed, jaw surgery is an option. Sometimes teeth are extracted to aid the orthodontic treatment (mostly premolars).

        Orthodontic therapy may include fixed or removable appliances. Fixed appliance may provide greater mechanical control of the teeth. Optimal treatment outcome can be improved using fixed appliances. Fixed appliances may be used to rotate teeth if that do not fit the arch shape of the other teeth in the mouth, to adjust multiple tooth to different places, to change angle of teeth or to change the position of tooth’s root. This treatment is not preferred when a patient has poor oral hygiene, unmotivated patient or the malocclusion is mild.

         Braces are usually placed on the labial/buccal side of the teeth but may also be placed on the lingual side. Brackets made out of stainless steel or porcelain are bonded to the center of the teeth using an adhesive cement (usually composite). Apart from wires, forces can be applied using elastic bands, springs. Several teeth mat be tied together with ligatures and different kinds of hooks can be placed to allow for correcting an elastic band.

Treatment duration :

The time required for the orthodontic treatment varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the problem, amount of room available, distance the teeth must travel, health of the teeth gums and surrounding bone. However once the braces are put on, they remain in place for 1 to 3 years.

  Post- Treatment : After braces are removed most patients are needed to wear a retainer all the time for first 6 months, then only during sleep for many years. Retainers can be either fixed or removable.

Removable retainers : They are made from clear plastic or resin material, and are custom fitted for the patient’s mouth. Examples : Zendura retainer, Essix retainer, Vivera retainer. Hawley ratainer is also a removable retainer which is made from a combination of plastic and metal that is molded custom to fit the patient’s mouth. Removable retainers should be worn for different time periods depending upon the patient need to stabilize the dentition.

Fixed retainers : they are a simple wire fixed on the lingual side of the the incisors using dental adhesive and can be specifically useful to prevent the rotation of incisors. Other types include labial or lingual braces, with brackets fixed to the teeth.

Clear aligners (Invisalign):  It is another form of orthodontics that is commonly used today. Many patients do not like the appearance of traditional metal braces, so they opt for clear removable aligners. During the consultation the dentist will scan the individual teeth with a machine called iTero. The iTero machine digitally scans the teeth and gums, which enables the dentist to see the 3D model of patient’s teeth on the screen. Once the individual receives the aligners, they will have to wear them everyday for 20-22 hours. One is supposed to remove them while eating and drinking. Unlike traditional braces the person is able to eat anything when the aligners are removed. Depending on the severity of the case, one will have a new smile in a matter of months. After the treatment is complete, individual will have to wear clear removable retainers.

About the author:

Name: Dr. Abhilash Dandy

Qualification: B.D.S

I graduated as a Dentist from Sibar Institute of Dental Sciences, Guntur. I have done my externship program at Rutgers school of dental medicine, New Jersey, USA. I have clinical experience of 3 years and currently working as Administrative head — Dental wing in MediCub India, Hyderabad.