The installation of braces or braces is a procedure to correct an untidy arrangement of teeth or an abnormal jaw position. Once installed, braces should be used for at least 1–3 years to get the desired results.
The normal position of the jaw when biting is that the upper teeth are slightly in front of the lower teeth, as well as the upper molars aligned with the lower molars. Abnormal jaw and tooth position can interfere with the process of chewing food, damage teeth, and can even affect the shape of the face.
Abnormalities in the arrangement of teeth or the position of the jaw can appear at the age of 7 years when permanent teeth begin to grow. If your child has this condition, consult a dentist. Defects in the arrangement of teeth or the position of the jaw that are not severe can be overcome with the installation of braces.
Types of Braces
There are several types of braces or braces, the use of which depends on the condition of the patient’s teeth, namely:
1. Conventional braces
Conventional braces are permanent braces that are installed in front of the teeth. These braces can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic.
2. Lingual braces
Lingual braces are permanent braces that are placed on the back of the teeth, so that they are not visible from the front.
3. Clear aligner
Clear aligner is a piece of clear plastic that covers the teeth. This type of braces can be removed and should be cleaned regularly.
4. Self-ligating braces
Self-ligating braces are a type of brace that uses a small metal on the bracket, which is the part of the brace that serves as a support.
Braces Installation Indications
The dentist will recommend the installation of braces or braces in the following conditions:
1. Teeth grow abnormally, such as teeth that are piled up or too loose
2. The jaw or upper teeth are much more advanced than the jaw or lower teeth
3. The jaw or lower teeth are more advanced than the jaw or upper teeth
4. Defects in the position of the jaw that cause the upper front teeth and lower front teeth do not meet
Braces Installation Reminder
To get the desired results, the installation of braces should be done at the age of 12–13 years. This is because at that age the mouth and jaw are still growing.
In adults, braces can be attached longer than in children. However, sometimes the results obtained in adults are not necessarily as expected.
The installation of braces cannot overcome severe jaw position abnormalities. In such cases, the patient must undergo jaw repositioning surgery.
Before the Installation of Braces
Before performing the braces, the doctor will check the condition of the patient’s teeth. After that, dental x -rays will be done to determine the structure of the patient’s teeth.
Patients may also be asked to bite into soft-textured tooth prints for a few minutes. Through this mold pattern, the doctor can evaluate the structure of the patient’s teeth and jaws.
If the patient’s teeth are stacked or the jaw is too tight with the tooth arrangement, the doctor may perform a tooth extraction procedure on one or more teeth, to make room for the other teeth.
Braces Installation Procedure
The doctor determines the type of braces that the patient will use based on a previous dental examination. Usually, the recommended type of braces are fixed braces.
The procedure for installing permanent braces consists of the following stages:
1. Mounting the bracket on the outer surface or inside of the tooth.
2. Installation of rings around the molars. Before the ring is installed, the doctor will make room by placing a very small rubber band between the molars. After that, a special tube will be attached to the ring on the last molar to lock the end of the braces.
3. Installation of flexible wires connecting each of the brackets and locking rings to regulate the movement of the teeth.
4. Installation of accessories, such as elastic straps or headgear, to keep the teeth in the correct position and help the movement of the teeth.
After the Installation of Braces
Once the braces are installed, the doctor will periodically adjust the braces by tightening or bending the braces. This adjustment will put pressure on the tooth arrangement and gradually shift the tooth to its proper position.
If necessary, the dentist will apply pressure to the upper and lower jaw using elastic rubber to correct the position of the jaw.
After adjustment, mild pain may be felt in the teeth and jaw. To relieve it, the doctor will prescribe a painkiller, such as ibuprofen. However, if the pain persists or worsens, see a doctor immediately.
After the braces are removed, the patient will undergo the final phase, which is the use of retainers. Retainers are useful to prevent the arrangement of the teeth from returning to the position prior to the installation of the braces. This tool can be used permanently or can be detached.
Braces of Braces
Braces are a safe procedure, but still have risks. One of them is cavities and gum disease due to food waste left between the braces. Another risk is that the teeth are easily shaken due to the shortening of the tooth root as a result of the pressure produced by the braces.
To reduce this risk, patients are advised to:
1. Brush your teeth regularly, especially after meals
2. Clean the gap between the wire and the teeth using dental floss on a regular basis
3. Avoid consuming sticky foods that can stick to the braces, such as chewing gum, caramel, or candy
4. Avoid hard-textured foods, such as nuts, as they can damage the wire
5. Visit the dentist for regular checkups and braces