Dental Braces Application and Adjustment
- Braces move teeth through force and pressure
- Four basic elements used: brackets, bonding material, arch wire, and ligature elastic
- Springs or rubber bands may be used for additional force in a specific direction
- Braces apply constant pressure to gradually move teeth into desired positions
- Brackets are customized to fit the patient's mouth
- Orthodontic services provided by dentists trained in orthodontics
- Braces are typically adjusted every three to six weeks
- Discomfort during adjustment is normal
Types of Dental Braces
- Clear braces
- Upper and Lower Jaw Functional Expanders
- Traditional metal wired braces
- Gold-plated stainless steel braces
- Lingual braces
Fitting Procedure and Treatment Considerations
- Orthodontists complete additional post-doctoral training
- Initial consultation and visual inspection to determine suitability for braces
- X-rays, moulds, and impressions taken to analyze problems and determine treatment plan
- Digital models and treatment simulation used for optimal outcome
- Typical treatment times range from six months to two and a half years
- Orthognathic surgery may be required in extreme cases
- Orthodontic spacers may be used to create space for bands
- Adhesive applied to teeth before applying braces
- Different types of braces have variations in the fitting process, but initial steps involve moulding the teeth
Post-Treatment and Retainers
- Post-orthodontic surgery may be needed for gumline improvement
- Transparent plates can be used to maintain teeth alignment after treatment
- Transparent plates are usually worn for 6 months
- Fixative wire can be attached to prevent teeth from shifting back
- Retainers are worn after braces treatment to prevent teeth from moving
- Hawley retainers are commonly used for regular braces
- Essix retainers are used for clear removable braces
- Bonded retainers are permanently attached to the lingual side of teeth
- Proper retainer wear is crucial to maintain treatment results
History of Dental Braces and Key Figures in Orthodontics
- Braces date back to ancient times, with evidence of metal bands wrapped around teeth found in mummified individuals
- Important dentists contributed to the advancement of dental braces during the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries
- Edward Angle devised the first classification system for malocclusions in the early 20th century
- Dr. George Andreasen developed a new method of fixing braces using Nitinol wires in 1979
- Contributions of Charles B. Bolton, Holly Broadbent Sr., Allan G. Brodie, Charles J. Burstone, Terry Dischinger, William B. Downs, John Nutting Farrar, Rolf Frankel, and Sheldon Friel in the field of orthodontics.
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Dental braces (also known as braces, orthodontic cases, or cases) are devices used in orthodontics that align and straighten teeth and help position them with regard to a person's bite, while also aiming to improve dental health. They are often used to correct underbites, as well as malocclusions, overbites, open bites, gaps, deep bites, cross bites, crooked teeth, and various other flaws of the teeth and jaw. Braces can be either cosmetic or structural. Dental braces are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to help widen the palate or jaws and to otherwise assist in shaping the teeth and jaws.
