Orthodontic Braces: Types and Proper Care

The teen years are hard enough. Add the news that they need orthodontic braces and they cringe. Nobody wants a mouth full of metal. Many types of braces are available other than the traditional metal-mouth types from thirty years ago.

Types of Orthodontic Braces

Silver or stainless steel braces are the most common types of orthodontic braces available today. They are basic and effective. The thickness of the arch wire, which is a wire conforming to the alveolar or dental arch that can be used as a source of force in correcting the irregularities of the teeth, will be adjusted regularly during treatment.

Some people get stainless steel brackets colored ties around them. Ties may be the same or a variety of colors. Colors can be changed when the arch wire is adjusted.

Real gold braces and brackets are available as well. These will vary in price depending on the price of gold. Some people wear them because they have an allergic reaction to stainless steel, while others like to make a statement with their "tooth jewelry".

Clear braces are also available for people that want a more discreet form of treatment. These are made out of ceramic and can sometimes have clear arch wire as well.

Lingual braces are fit to the back of the teeth. This is not usually a choice for children because it takes longer to place the brackets and each adjustment takes longer and requires patience and an ability to hold the mouth open for a long time.

Also available are progressive, clear aligners. These are like trays that fit into the mouth and gradually reposition the teeth until the desired position is achieved. These can only be used in mild cases.

Titanium braces are also available and are very strong! Most of the jaw implants that people get are made out of titanium. This is more expensive than the other types of braces, but may be required for those that are allergic to the nickel in steel.

How Long do People Wear Orthodontic Braces?

The length of time needed for the optimal results varies by patient. Some patients use braces and when they are finished they may need a retainer to ensure a relapse does not occur.

Not every patient needs a retainer after their braces have been removed. Sometimes an orthodontist uses a "pre finisher". In essence, this is a rubber mouth guard that the patient can place in their mouth at prescribed times and bite down, causing pressure. This pressure makes the teeth and jaw stay in the correct positions.

Retainers and pre finishers are not permanent and can be removed from the mouth as necessary by the patient. Patients with wire retainers often need to remove them during meal times. This can be very awkward for teens at school and adults in the workplace.

Complications with Orthodontic Braces

Though rare, there are potential complications with braces. Plaque can form on the teeth when they are not easily reached by a toothbrush. The solution to this problem is a special brush that is small enough to fit behind the wires for frequent cleansing.

If teeth move in an incorrect direction, the arch wire can break and cause pain in the mouth. The orthodontist can correct this. The most common issue is pain for up to a week after the braces have been placed. This can be controlled with over the counter pain relievers and by eating soft foods.

Generally, people may not like the thought of wearing orthodontic braces. They feel awkward and often take months to become accustomed to. The end result is almost always worth it, and a dazzling smile is the reward in the end.