How Braces Are Applied — The Procedure

Braces are orthodontic appliances that are placed to straighten the teeth. They consist of two main parts: brackets, which are attached to the teeth, and an archwire, which connects them and moves the teeth into the desired position.

Orthodontic systems are placed in patients of various ages, but in younger patients the process of correcting defects is easier and faster. This is due to the jaws and teeth not being fully formed yet.

These appliances are worn for a period of six months to two years. This depends on the severity of the malocclusion and the type of system.

Braces are made from various materials:

• Metal. They are considered the strongest and at the same time the most affordable. They achieve the desired result quickly. However, because they are highly visible, some people choose appliances made from other materials.
• Plastic. The brackets are made of plastic in various shades, including transparent. But since their strength is minimal, the treatment time is longer.
• Sapphire and ceramic. These systems are made using artificially produced sapphire crystals. They resemble precious stones in appearance, so the smile does not suffer much and even gains a special appeal.
• Gold. These appliances most often use a steel base with a gold coating. Their advantage lies in the low level of allergic reactions.

Orthodontic appliances are placed in several stages:

• Diagnosis. Qualified specialists do not place such systems without a preliminary diagnosis. It includes a thorough initial examination of the oral cavity, X-rays, and digital photographs.
• Development of a treatment plan. It takes the specialist about a week to analyze the collected material. During this period, they perform calculations and outline a treatment plan individually for the patient. Usually the orthodontist draws up several plans, each with its own features, pros, and cons. At the next visit, the patient, taking into account all the nuances and the doctor's opinion, chooses the appropriate treatment. Then comes the selection of the type of appliance.
• Professional hygiene and oral sanitation. This procedure consists of treating teeth for pulpitis, caries, and periodontitis. Even if the patient has no complaints, the treatment is still carried out. The dentist may also consider it necessary to replace poor-quality fillings or remove certain teeth.

Some patients make the independent decision to have certain teeth removed, but this should not be done. In most cases, teeth are removed directly during treatment, 6-12 months after it begins.

If the patient undergoes oral sanitation in advance, they must provide the orthodontist with a certificate confirming this, as well as have a follow-up consultation with the doctor.

After that, the dentist must tell the patient about all the subtleties of hygiene with a braces system and select special tools. These include various mini-interdental brushes, small brushes, and other aids.

• Fixation of the appliance. Depending on which type of system is being placed for the patient, the installation method also varies. But for the most part, the work is performed as follows. First, the teeth are treated with gel and a special varnish. Then, using an orthodontic bonding paste, the plates of the appliance are fixed to the teeth. On the last molars, attachments are placed, and an archwire is installed in them. After that, it is threaded through each slot of the brackets and secured.

In ligature products, the archwire is secured by means of a metal or elastomeric ligature. But such elements stretch relatively quickly and do not hold the system properly. Therefore, they need to be replaced from time to time. After the brackets are closed, stops are fixed to the front parts.

When a patient is fitted with an orthodontic appliance, they are given instructions on how to care for it properly. In order for it to serve well and for the entire prescribed period, it is necessary to:

• Avoid hard foods: bagels, dry bread rings, croutons, because they can break the system;
• Avoid caramel candies, toffee, or hard candies, as they provoke the development of caries;
• Avoid sticky and adhesive foods: chewing gum, chips, wafers, cookies, crispbreads, nuts, and other products, because they stick to the elements of the appliance, and it is then difficult to clean them off;
• Hard, tough foods should be cut into small pieces and eaten that way. These include various hard fruits, vegetables, and tough meat;
• Do not consume very cold or very hot foods, because they can cause the elements of the system to come unstuck and the archwire to be damaged;
• Do not drink coffee or staining products often.

Can pregnant women get braces?

Orthodontic treatment requires X-ray diagnostics as well as taking painkillers. That is why specialists recommend placing them either after pregnancy or before it.

Can you go to a sauna with braces?

Yes, you can. The temperature in a bathhouse or sauna raises body temperature by only 2-3 degrees, so the metal components cannot heat up enough to be damaged. Therefore, when an orthodontic system is placed, this lifestyle does not need to change.

Can you play sports during treatment?

Yes, you can. If the sport is a contact sport, such as boxing, wrestling, or football, special mouthguards can be used for protection.