Braces: How They Work and Types
Understanding Braces: What You Need to Know
Braces: We have all seen them, but is there more we should know about them? In this article we will dive into what braces are, how they work, why they are needed, and much more.
What Are Braces?
Braces are a type of orthodontic dental appliance used for improving the straightness of teeth and bite misalignments, also referred to as malocclusion. Braces can address teeth crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other dental issues. Braces don’t only offer esthetic benefits, but also can improve oral health, chewing, and speech, for instance. They involve the use of bands, wires, brackets, which are temporarily cemented to the teeth during orthodontic treatment. Next, you’ll learn everything you need to know regarding ‘how do braces work.’
How Do Braces Work?
So, how do braces work? Dental braces are placed in ideal positions on the teeth to direct them into their correct positions. They work by applying gentle consistent pressure to the teeth and jawbone over time.
Types of Braces: Choosing the Right Option for You
There are many different types of braces available. The common types of braces include traditional metal, ceramic, lingual, self-ligating, designer, custom-fit, and clear aligners. Your dentist can help you determine the best kinds of braces for you based on your dental needs and preferences.
Traditional Metal Braces
The most common orthodontics braces types are traditional metal braces. Metal braces are commonly made from stainless steel, titanium alloys, and chromium-nickel-cobalt alloys. Traditional metal braces use elastomeric ties, which come in clear and a variety of colors, to hold the wires in place. Metal braces are known for their durability and tend to be a cost-effective orthodontic treatment option.
Ceramic Braces
Clear braces, also called ceramic braces due to their composition, offer a more discreet way to straighten your teeth. Ceramic braces blend naturally with the color of your teeth. They are considered more fragile than metal braces, and may require more frequent repair.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces, but are placed on the ‘lingual’ or back surfaces of teeth instead of the front surfaces. Lingual braces tend to be the most expensive type of braces. Some orthodontic offices may not offer lingual braces, as they require specific training to place.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces have a similar appearance to metal braces. A unique difference to traditional metal braces is that they do not require the elastomeric ties to hold the archwire in place.
Designer Braces
Some orthodontists may offer designer braces, which offer brackets that come in a variety of shapes like stars and hearts. Designer braces still maintain the same effectiveness as traditional braces.
Custom-Fit Braces
Custom-fit braces are designed to fit uniquely to your teeth. Using a digital scan of your teeth, the braces are fabricated based on the scanned models of your teeth and placed based on your individual treatment plan.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, popularly provided by Invisalign® and other brands, offer another discreet option to straightening your teeth. Sets of aligner trays that blend naturally with your teeth are worn for specific amounts of time as directed by your dentist (on average every 2 weeks), which gradually shifts your teeth into their proper positions. Clear aligners are worn on average daily for approximately 22 hours.
Signs You May Need Braces
There are some tell-tale signs that you may need braces. Here’s what to look out for:
How to Tell If You Need Braces
Oral braces most commonly treat crooked or crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, and bite abnormalities including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. When the teeth and bite are not in proper alignment, you may notice that you have trouble speaking, chewing, or opening or closing your mouth. You may also experience frequent tongue or cheek biting or jaw pain and clicking.
What Age Is Best for Braces?
There is no specific best age for dental braces. Braces can benefit both children and adults. However, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends having a consultation with an orthodontist around the age of 7. Early evaluation for braces can help address issues early on.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment is beneficial for a number of reasons:
- Addressing problems early:
As mentioned, children should be evaluated by an orthodontist around the age of 7, which can help identify dental problems and prevent them from worsening over time. - Addressing bad oral habits:
Early orthodontic treatment can help correct harmful oral habits like thumb sucking and nail biting, which can impact tooth and jaw development. - Guiding jaw growth:
Oral braces placed while the teeth and jaws are still developing can help influence proper skeletal and dental development. - Improving facial harmony:
Through guided jaw growth and the correction of bite issues early on, the skeletal facial profile and smile can improve. - Reducing the need for tooth extraction:
Guiding the erupting permanent teeth with braces early on may lower the risk of needing teeth extracted in the future from crowding and bite issues. - Improving self-esteem:
Early orthodontic treatment can improve self-confidence and self-esteem. - Preventing other dental issues:
Correcting misaligned teeth can help not only improve oral hygiene lowering the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, but also prevent future dental issues like tooth wear and fracture.
Treatment Timeline and Expectations
Your exact duration with oral braces depends on your unique dental needs. Here’s what you can expect in general:
How Long Does It Take for Braces to Work?
Your dentist will determine your estimated treatment time based on various factors, such as your age, severity of malocclusion, and type of orthodontic treatment chosen. The process of tooth movement in all cases is gradual. On average, patients wear braces for about two years.
Do Braces Hurt?
In general, braces do not hurt but may cause some discomfort. Fortunately, discomfort from braces is often temporary and easy to manage. Your dentist may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, eating soft foods, and using orthodontic wax to help manage discomfort.
The Benefits of Braces and Their Impact
The benefits and impact of braces can be life-changing. Here’s why braces are so popular:
What Are the Advantages of Dental Braces?
- Improves smile appearance:
The different types of braces all are designed to improve the appearance of your smile. Teeth that are straighter make you look and feel great, boosting self-confidence and self-esteem. - Improves oral health:
Teeth in their ideal positions are easier to keep clean, lowering your risk of common dental issues like cavities and gum disease: Proper tooth and jaw alignment also lowers your risk of chipping or wearing down teeth enamel over time. - Improves smile function:
Proper function of your teeth and jaws relies on their proper positioning. Correcting teeth and bite misalignments may improve chewing efficiency, speech, and jaw comfort.
Common Side Effects of Braces
Almost everything has side effects, including braces. Luckily, the side effects of braces are typically easy to manage:
- Discomfort:
You may feel temporary discomfort, including headaches and difficulty chewing or speaking properly, when you first get braces or during adjustment check-ups. Fortunately, discomfort tends to go away after a couple days. - Gum irritation:
Braces wires and brackets may temporarily irritate your gums, tongue, lips, or inner cheeks. - White spots:
If proper oral hygiene is not maintained throughout orthodontic treatment, tooth decay and resulting discoloration (often chalky white or brown) may occur. - Allergic reactions:
Some materials used in orthodontics may initiate an allergic reaction (i.e. nickel, metal, latex elastic bands).
Caring for Braces: Tips for Success
Caring for your braces can be easier than you think. Here are some tips for success:
How Should I Care for My Braces?
To care for your braces, it is recommended to brush your teeth after each meal, or at minimum twice a day using a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Floss daily with a special floss threader to reach between the wires. When brushing and flossing, pay special attention to the areas around the brackets and wires. Rinsing with warm salt water or a fluoride mouthrinse can help reduce bacterial plaque accumulation and oral inflammation. To avoid damaging your braces, avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods. Maintain your regular orthodontic and dental appointments throughout treatment.
What Can You Eat with Braces?
In general, soft foods should be consumed and hard foods should be avoided throughout your orthodontic treatment. Braces-friendly foods include mashed potatoes, dairy products like yogurt, soft cheeses, and scrambled eggs, soups, smoothies, soft grains like oatmeal and pastas, soft fruits like bananas, and steamed or boiled soft vegetables.
Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Braces in Top Shape
There are several easy maintenance tips that you can follow to keep your braces in great condition. Important braces maintenance includes:
Daily Cleaning
Both with and without braces, daily cleaning is essential. With braces, it is recommended to brush your teeth after each meal, for at least two minutes each time. An electric soft-bristled toothbrush can be beneficial in removing plaque and food particles from around orthodontic appliances. Use special floss threaders to floss in-between your teeth through the wires.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods that are sugary, hard, sticky, and chewy. Common foods that should be avoided include nuts, ice, popcorn, caramel, hard breads, raw fruits and vegetables, candy, and chewing gum.
Handling Emergencies
If you are experiencing severe pain, bleeding, or notice a broken orthodontic appliance, be sure to contact your orthodontist immediately. While waiting to be seen, use orthodontic wax to cover any poking wires or brackets.
Staying on Schedule with Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor progress and ensure that your teeth are moving properly. Missing appointments can result in increased treatment time and unsatisfactory results.
Braces vs. Other Orthodontic Treatments
If you’d like to have options other than braces when it comes to straightening your smile, you may be a candidate for other orthodontic treatments like Invisalign:
Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Is Right for Me?
Invisalign and braces can both effectively improve the alignment of your teeth and bite. Your dentist can help you decide on the best choice for you based on your dental needs and preferences. Invisalign offers a discreet way to straighten your teeth, but requires a high amount of compliance and diligence in wearing the trays as instructed and not losing them. Cost will also be an important factor to consider. Your dentist may recommend braces over Invisalign depending on case complexity or other factors. Consult with your dentist for the best recommendation on which orthodontic treatment may be best for your needs.
Life After Braces
How Can I Maintain My Results After Braces?
One of the most important parts of orthodontic treatment is maintaining the results after braces with a retainer. The purpose of a retainer is to hold your teeth in their new positions, as the teeth can shift out of place without it. It is important to follow the recommendations of your orthodontist for retainer wear and report any issues immediately to prevent your teeth from shifting. In general, your orthodontist will recommend wearing your retainer full-time initially, then transitioning to nighttime wear as directed. It is also important to maintain proper oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental check-ups.
Cost and Affordability
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The cost of braces can depend on many factors, including where you live, your dentist’s expertise, what type of braces you choose, and the complexity of your dental needs. In general, traditional metal braces cost between $3,000 - 7,000. Clear braces and aligners cost on average between $4,000 - 8,000. Lingual braces often are the most expensive type of braces, which cost on average between $8,000 - 10,000.
Take the First Step Towards a Beautiful Smile!
Begin Your Journey with Great Lakes Family Dental Group
No need to wait any longer, come meet our exceptional team of dental professionals at Great Lakes Family Dental Group. We offer state-of-the-art braces and orthodontic treatment for both children and adults at an affordable price at all of our convenient locations. Schedule a consultation today for a comprehensive and custom treatment plan to get your dream smile!
