Dental Braces, What To Expect? 

‍

You’ve seen people using braces more times than you can count, but have you ever wondered what’s the reason or the purpose of these dental braces?

That's exactly what we're here to explore!

In no particular order, this article breaks down the function and types of braces, benefits, and much more.

Sounds good? Let’s first define braces.

‍

What are braces?

Braces are devices (or appliances if you want) designed to address various dental issues, such as teeth crowding and misalignment and ultimately straighten the teeth and correct the bite, and contrary to popular belief, braces aren't just for teenagers; adults of any age can still use them.

‍

How Do Braces Function?

The mechanism of braces is pretty straightforward, they basically apply pressure on your teeth over a period of time to slowly shift them to the right position, and the bone under your teeth will also change the shape.

‍

What are the common types of braces?

There are multiple types of dental braces used by dentists, each type is designed to specifically address different orthodontic needs and preferences. Here is the list of the most common types:

1. Metal Braces

‍

Traditional metal braces are naturally, the most common type, they consist of metal brackets and wires and are highly effective in correcting a wide range of dental issues. They also got modernized, so the new versions are smaller and less noticeable than the old ones.

‍

2. Ceramic Braces

‍

Ceramic braces are much like the metal braces, the only difference is that they use clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your teeth, which makes them less noticeable.

‍

3. Lingual Braces

‍

Lingual braces, as the name indicates, are placed on the lingual side of the teeth, which makes them invisible from the outside. They are custom-ordered and designed to fit the contour of the patient tooth but it can get very challenging to clean them compared to other types.

‍

4. Self-Ligating Braces

‍

Self-ligating braces are exactly what they sound like, they use a special clip instead of elastic bands to hold the wire in place, they reduce friction and make the braces easier to clean. They can be made of metal or ceramic and don’t require a lot of adjustments.

‍

5. Clear Aligners

‍

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a series of custom-made, removable trays, they offer a high level of convenience and aesthetics, Clear Aligners are almost invisible and can be easily removed while eating.

But it’s not just about aesthetics, they are also a great solution as they gradually shift the teeth into place without causing any discomfort.

‍

‍

What Are The Benefits of Using Dental Braces?

Braces go beyond just straightening the teeth to provide a shining smile, they also bring other benefits to patients, and amongst them:

• Makes it easier for the patient to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Prevents different periodontal disease like cavities and gum disease.
• Restore functions like chewing and speaking.
• Fix once and for all temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

‍

Applying Dental Braces, What Are The Procedures?

Before starting the Procedure

‍

First and foremost, the patient should schedule the appointment with the orthodontist (you can do it by just clicking here).

Consultation with an Orthodontist

When you consult with your orthodontist, he will examine your teeth and determine which brace type fits best for you and discuss the expected timeline. He can also answer any of your questions and inquiries related to the dental braces process.

During the consultation, the orthodontist will also use the X-rays to have a clearer picture of the position of your teeth and spot any potential dental problems.

‍

During the Procedure

‍

Here is the step-by-step procedure to understand the whole process of getting braces.

Step 1: Teeth preparation

The orthodontist will make sure to clean the teeth surface from any potential plaque, he will also dry your teeth to allow brackets to adhere seamlessly.

Step 2: Applying Adhesive

After cleaning the teeth surface, the orthodontist will use a bonding glue to attach the brackets. And to solidify the glue, your dentist will resort to a special blue light.

Step 3: Put the Brackets

Once the bonding glue is hardened, the orthodontist will put the brackets on your teeth in accordance with the treatment plan discussed previously.

Step 4: Archwire Insertion: 

The archwire, which connects the brackets, is threaded through the brackets and secured with small elastic bands.

Step 5: Adding Bands and Spacers

The archwire is then adjusted to apply pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position.

‍

Instructions to Maintain Your Braces

You consult with your dentist, get your braces. Congratulations but you're not done yet.

Now you should maintain your braces in a good shape to reach the desired results as quickly as possible, and here are some instruction you need to follow:

• Make sure to clean your braces on a daily basis, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to be able to clean hard-to-reach areas.
• Refrain from consuming sticky and hard foods as they can damage your braces.
• In case of any emergency, try to get in touch with your orthodontist as soon as possible for guidance.
• Regularly consult your dentist to assess the improvement in your teeth structure and brace adjustment.

‍

Dental Braces At Al Siraj Medical Center

Now that we've covered the ins and outs of dental braces, what’s left for you to do is to book your appointment for you (or your kids) at Al Siraj Medical Center.

Our friendly orthodontics are qualified enough to grant you with custom-made braces and help you (or your kids) get the smile you wish.

You will see that our customer support team is friendly and happy to help when you call them at +974 44493666 for an appointment.

‍

Thanks for reading till the end! See you at Al Siraj 👋

‍

Dental Braces FAQs

What is the best age for braces?

‍
Orthodontists are unanimous that patients should ideally get braces in the preadolescent ages of 10 to 14.

‍

Do braces change face shape?

‍
Yes, braces can change your jawline, your chin, the shape of your mouth, and even your lips.

‍

How long do braces last?

‍
With traditional metal braces patients will wear the braces for a period between 1 to 3 years.

‍

Do braces change your bite?

‍
Yes, braces are designed to change your bite.

‍

Can braces give you a jawline?

‍
Braces can indirectly enhance your jawline by correcting your bite and aligning your teeth

‍