Orthodontic Treatment/Braces

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is that branch of dentistry which specialises in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of problems in the alignment of teeth and jaws.

The technical term for these problems is malocclusion, which literally means bad bite.

Orthodontic treatment use of corrective appliances (such as wire braces, plates, headgears and functional appliances) to bring the teeth and jaws into proper alignment.

Why straighten teeth?

Purpose of orthodontic treatment to improve the Appearance, health,Cleaning and function of the teeth.

Appearance

We know an attractive smile can play an important role in enhancing self-confidence.

Hygiene

It's more difficult to clean your teeth when they are crowded and overlapping. Inadequate cleaning is a major factor in tooth decay, gum disease and eventual tooth loss.

having your teeth straightened will make it easier for you to look after them.

Tooth wear

Some bad bites lead to clenching and grinding during sleep, even excessive wear and/or uneven wear of the teeth.

Gum damage

In severe malocclusions the teeth can damage the gum.

For example, in cases of deep bite, the lower front teeth can bite into the gum behind the upper front teeth.

Jaw joint problems

Some bad bites stress the jaw joint causing damage and pain in and around the joint.

Speech

Some people have difficulty speaking properly because of alignment problems with their teeth and jaws.

When to start orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic problems are usually apparent by the age of seven, when most of the adult front teeth have erupted. However, your dentist may detect an orthodontic problem earlier.

Early examination allows the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems and to plan an appropriate treatment schedule.

Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing or make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. Early treatment may also achieve results that are not possible once the face and jaws have stopped growing.

In most cases, orthodontic treatment is commenced as soon as the last baby tooth has been shed. This usually occurs in the early teens. In some cases, it is an advantage to start just before the last baby teeth are shed. But treament may be required even at the age when child is having baby teeth only (before 6 years)

The basic process involved in moving teeth is almost the same at any age and orthodontic treatment is also successful for all ages.

In some cases, orthodontic treatment combined with jaw surgery can achieve dramatic improvements.

Orthodontic Treatment plan ?

This section explains the various stages of a normal course of orthodontic treatment.

The first consultation

During this visit the patient is examined clinically. This enables the orthodontist to give advice on the treatment options available, when treatment should commence, the duration of treatment, and the approximate cost.

If the patient decides to proceed with treatment, an appointment is made to collect records.

Records

Records include:

Plaster models of the teeth.
Photographs of the teeth and face.
X-rays of the teeth and jaws.

Records allow the orthodontist to analyse each case accurately. They are also used to record the existing malocclusion for future reference.

Treatment Planning

At this visit the orthodontist discusses the treatment plan(s) which have been formulated using information obtained from the first consultation and records.

Then, arrangements are made to commence treatment or, if it is too early, to review the patient periodically until it is an appropriate time to commence treatment.

Extractions and other preliminary procedures

Sometimes it is necessary to remove teeth to gain sufficient space to align the remaining teeth.

Any decayed teeth should be filled and the teeth sometimes need to be cleaned before orthodontic treatment is started.

The cost of these procedures is not included in the orthodontic fee.

Braces

Braces are the most efficient and accurate way of moving teeth.
See how braces work.

Braces (bands, brackets and wires) are usually made of stainless steel although clear brackets are available, usually at extra cost.

Fitting the braces usually involves two visits. Braces remain on the teeth for the entire duration of treatment.

Patients then attend approximately every 3-8 weeks for adjustments, wire changes, etc.

Rubber Bands and Headgear

During treatment, patients may need to wear such items as rubber bands and/or headgear with their braces. These items provide important extra forces for the correction of the bite.

How Long?

Orthodontic treatment usually takes 18 - 24 months. Some cases may be finished earlier and others may take longer to complete. The total treatment time depends on the severity of the original malocclusion, the type of treatment carried out, and the co-operation of the patient.

Retention

At the completion of the active part of orthodontic treatment, the braces are removed and retaining appliances (retainers) are fitted to hold the teeth steady in their new position. These appliances may be removable plates or wires fitted behind the teeth.

Retainers play an important role in orthodontic treatment for, if they are not worn according to instructions, the teeth may move back towards their original position.

The retaining appliances are usually worn:

Full-time for up to one year.

Just at night for a further year.

Phased out altogether over one more years.

The corrected teeth are observed periodically for up to five years after the retainers have been phased out. During retention and the subsequent observation period, patients are expected to attend once or twice a year.

Caring for teeth during treatment

The key to healthy teeth and gums is proper plaque removal every day.

Plaque is the sticky colourless film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth. If it is left to build up, it is one of the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease.

Follow these simple instructions and you'll be off to a great start:

Brush your teeth, gums and braces three times a day(especially after eating).

Clean between the teeth at least once daily - and definitely before you go to bed.

Use a fluoride toothpaste - fluoride is proven to help prevent cavities.

May Use a fluoride mouth rinse daily to help reduce the risk of cavities.

Try to carry your toothbrush and floss with you at all times so that you can clean your teeth even when you are not at home.

How do I clean all areas of my mouth while wearing braces?

Following these tips will also help:

First, take off any removable parts like elastic bands and headgear.
Place your brush at an angle of about 45 degrees to the gum and apply some pressure as you brush with a gentle back and forward, up and down, or round and round motion. Clean each tooth individually for about 10 seconds.
Use the same brushing motion on the inner and outer surface of all teeth.
Don't forget to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth - and make sure you reach the back teeth too.
Finish by cleaning around your braces, brushing first from the top and then from the bottom. Brush gently and take care not to bend or break any of the brackets or wires.

How often should I clean my braces?

It is vital that you clean your braces every time you eat. Braces can act as a "plaque trap", increasing the amount of plaque on your teeth, which in turn can lead to an increased risk of caries and gum disease.

How do I floss with fixed braces?

Flossing removes the plaque between your teeth and under your gum line - areas beyond the reach of your toothbrush. In fact, if you don't floss, you're leaving up to 40% of your tooth surfaces untouched and uncleaned.

Use a threading floss through the gap between each tooth

Curve the floss around each tooth in a "C" shape and gently move it up and down the side of each tooth, including under the gum line. Unroll a new section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

Cleaning a removable appliance (plate)

Take the appliance out of your mouth and clean your teeth in the normal way.

Then use your toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the appliance.

Rinse your mouth with water afterwards.

Make sure that you brush the gum areas too which are covered by the appliance including the roof of your mouth if you wear the appliance on your top teeth.

Eating during Braces

Teeth become tender during first week so eat soft foods in the first week. After that, you should be able to eat normally, as long as you keep these tips in mind.

The worst things during braces are eating hard, sticky sweets like toffees.
Biting on large, tough chunks can damage your braces – so always cut apples, raw carrots and crusty rolls into smaller pieces.
Don’t gnaw meat on the bone.
Don’t bite corn on the cob.
Things like ice cubes and things like this – are best avoided.
Avoid Muthhees and Cocconut.
Avoid Gachak, Raverhi.
Eat overnight soaked Almonds only.
Do not crack nuts with teeth.

Drinks to avoid

Soft drinks, juices, energy drinks and other drinks very high in sugars and acid – and cling around your braces, drink them only occasionally and brush afterwards.

Eating during treatments

Rajpal dental clinic

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