What to Expect for Dental Braces
Did you know that there are three phases or stages in the treatment with dental braces? Firstly, the initial placement, then the periodic adjustment phase, and finally, wearing a retainer.
If you’ll have the conventional fixed braces, stainless steel or ceramic brackets are attached to the outer surfaces of teeth, ring-like bands of stainless steel or titanium encircle the molar teeth to hold connecting wires in place, a flexible wire that connects all of the brackets and bands, controlling movement of the teeth, and other accessories to help position the teeth.
The time frame these braces stay on teeth varies from patient to patient; on the average a period of one to three years. That depends on the severity of the condition, distance of teeth movement, available room to move, health of the mouth structures, and patient compliance.
If corrections are minor, customized, removable, clear aligners are used instead of braces. Worn 24 hours a day, except when eating or brushing up to 24 hours a day if possible, the braces stay on until these will be replaced by the next set of aligners.
You will have to make regular monthly visits to your orthodontist for periodic adjustments by tightening or bending the wires. Teeth will respond to the mild pressure by shifting to their new positions. Sometimes elastic bands are placed between opposing teeth where tension between the upper and lower jaws will promote correct alignment. Every time there is adjustment, some discomfort will be felt as tension is applied.
After braces are removed, most patients will need to wear a plastic retainer all the time for the first six months. This is to stabilized the straightened teeth for a retention period to prevent them from shifting back to their original position. Retainers can be removable or fixed.
Bellevue Dental Braces: All You Need To Know
Because dental braces require your understanding and cooperation to achieve treatment goals, we at Overlake Dental make sure that we come out with reasonable expectations. We are experienced professionals who see to our patients’ comfort and well-being in each treatment phase with braces.