Dental braces - also known as braces, orthodontic cases or cases - are orthodontic devices used to align and straighten teeth and also help reposition them. Brackets are usually made of metal or ceramic. They usually consist of four main (basic) parts:
• A small bracket is attached to each tooth.
• Bonding material (usually special adhesive) or a metal band
• An Arch Wire - a thin metal wire that runs from bracket to bracket and puts pressure on them
• Ligature (o-ring) - a small elastic that holds the bracket firmly to the arch wire. Ligatures are usually changed at each adjustment visit to the orthodontist’s office. Some self-ligating do not need elastic ligatures.
Teeth are surrounded by gum tissue - also called gingiva - on top, under which the periodontal membrane (or periodontal ligament) encases the bottom part of a tooth. Next to that an alveolar bone is placed.
When braces put pressure on teeth, the periodontal membrane is stretching on one side while it is compressed on the other. This process loosens the tooth and then the bone grows back in to support the teeth in their new position. This process is known as “bone remodeling”.
In some cases springs or rubber bands are used to provide more force in a specific direction. Braces put constant pressure, which over time will move teeth into proper positions.
With crooked teeth and misaligned bite (underbite/overbite) there are a variety of treatments. Braces and retainers help straighten teeth. Many general dentists can help with basic alignment and orthodontics, but probably the best choice is to see a orthodontist.
In many cases a removable retainer is that's needed. In other cases when there is extreme overbite or a underbite oral surgery may be a necessary step. Most of the time these kind of conditions are treated with the use of orthodontic braces.
What types of braces are used
Brackets are small squares that are bonded directly to the front of each tooth. A special dental bonding agent or orthodontic bands are used to attach the braces to the teeth. Brackets areholding the arch wires that move teeth.
There are stainless steel and tooth-colored ceramic or plastic brackets, which are preferred because they’re less obvious. Sometimes brackets are cemented to the back of teeth to be less visible.
• Orthodontic bands - stainless steel, clear or tooth-colored materials that are cemented to the teeth with specialized harmless bonding agents. They provide an anchor for the brackets, but sometimes brackets with no bands are used, depending on the needs of the patient.
• Spacers are separators are sometimes fit between teeth to create a small space prior to placement of the orthodontic bands.
• Arch wires are attached to brackets. They act as tracks to guide the teeth movement. Arch wires can be metal or clear/tooth-colored.
• Ties are small rubber rings or fine wires. They fasten the arch wire to the brackets and can be clear, metal, or colored.
• A buccal tube on the band of the last tooth holds the end of the arch wire securely in place.
• Ligatures - tiny elastic rubber bands, called ligatures, hold the arch wires to the brackets.
• Springs can be placed on the arch wires between brackets to push, pull, open or close the spaces between teeth.
• Elastics or rubber bands attach to hooks on brackets and are worn between the upper and lower teeth in various ways. They apply pressure to move the upper teeth against the lower teeth to achieve a perfect fit of individual teeth.
• Facebow headgear is the wire attachment that is used to move the upper molars back in the mouth to correct bite discrepancies and create room for crowded teeth.
How long are braces worn
The time required for braces varies greatly, depending on the severity of the condition. Usually braces remain in place for one to three years. After that they are removed and most patients will need to wear a retainer for six months, and then only during sleep.
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