Orthodontic treatment with brackets
Braces (brackets, dental orthodontic appliances) are a tool used to move teeth. This is a very old tool, over 100 years old, which has evolved over the years and has had various features added to it that allow for improved and shortened treatment.
There are many manufacturers of orthodontic braces, and the braces differ in both their appearance and internal engineering.
This system also includes orthodontic archewires that pass through the brackets .The following paragraphs will provide an explanation of all these components.
In terms of appearance, there are 2 types of brackets:
1. Metal brackets
2. Porcelain brackets (also called transparent brackets)
The two types of braces perform a similar action on the teeth, and the difference between them is in appearance - the transparent braces are less visible against the white teeth behind them.
In terms of their internal engineering, there are 2 types of brackets:
1. Conventional brackets - brackets in which the arch wire is tied using a rubber band that wraps around each bracket.
2. Self-ligating brackets - brackets in which the arch wire is tied inside using a metal "slide", which locks it inside. Therefore, no rubber band is required around these brackets.
How is orthodontic treatment performed using brackets?
1. Bonding the brackets - The brackets are bonded to the teeth using a special orthodontic adhesive. The adhesive does not harm the teeth, and at the end of orthodontic treatment, the brackets are removed and the adhesive on the teeth is cleaned.
2. Inserting an archwire into the brackets - The archwire is the source of force for moving the teeth. The archwire is inserted into the brackets and secured within them - in regular brackets by rubber bands and in self ligating brackets by the bracket locking mechanism.
3. Now - the system starts working and the teeth start moving. Within a few weeks we will start to see changes.
4. In the following appointments, we will do several things:
A. Replacing the archwire - As treatment progresses, the thickness of the archwire will increase, and the cross-section of the archwire will change from round to rectangular. A thicker archwire exerts more force, bringing the teeth closer to their final position.
B. Repositioning brackets - Sometimes we want to add an additional effect to the teeth, and for this purpose the position of the bracket on the tooth can be changed.
C. Adding additional elements to the treatment - it is possible to add interdental rubber bands, rubber bands to close gaps, and other components designed to solve the specific orthodontic problems of each patient.
D. The finishing stage - This is the stage where all the remaining small issues are fixed - since beauty lies in the small details, the importance of this stage is great.
5. Completion of orthodontic treatment - removing the brackets, cleaning the adhesive, and performing retainers.
Instructions after bonding brackets
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Brackets may become detached - a detached bracket can fall off or remain hanging on the arch. The detached bracket should be brought with you to the next meeting. If there is a short remaining time until the next appointment and there is no significant discomfort - it's possible to wait with the rebond of the detached bracket until the next appointment. At the next appointment, we will re-attach the detached bracket. If there is a significant discomfort because of the detached bracket - you should make a short appointment to re-attach the bracket.
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Discomfort and pain - Discomfort can occur in the days after the brackets are attached, due to the fact that the teeth begin to move. Discomfort is common, and passes within a few days. If there is more significant pain (rare) - painkillers can be used for a short period of time.
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Mouth sores - Minor sores and abrasions in the mouth are common in the period after the brackets are attached, and result from the fact that the oral tissues have not yet had time to get used to the new metal appliances .If there is a bracket that causes an injury on the buccal mucosa, you can use orthodontic wax to cover it. The wax is provided by us on the day the brackets are attached.
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What to avoid eating - There are a few things that we recommended to avoid eating during orthodontic treatment, to reduce the risk of debonded brackets:
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Hard foods - nuts, peanuts, hard fruits and vegetables (carrots, apples - it is recommended to cut into thin slices or make juice from them, and in any case do not bite the apple or carrot because this might cause the brackets to detach).
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Sticky foods - such as toffee candies and chewing gum.
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Guidelines for retainers
Care must be taken to use and take care of the retainers - this will significantly reduce the risk of tooth movement after the end of active orthodontic treatment.
1. Bonded retainer - This is a retainer that is bonded to the front teeth, on the lingual part .If you feel that the retainer has come loose, broken, or that one of the teeth has moved - you should advice an orthodontic specialist.
2. Removable retainer - This is an appliance that must be used according to the instructions given at the time of delivery. The retainer must be cleaned every day, using running water and liquid soap. Do not soak the retainer in hot water or any other cleaning agent, as this might cause it to deform. If the retainer is broken or lost - you must come to the clinic to have a new one made (a fee applies).
3. The retainers must be worn for long term. This is the only way to maintain the results of the treatment.
Progress of orthodontic treatment in documents