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Orthodontics Steps Before Braces

In the pursuit of the "perfect smile," approximately 4 million people at any given time in the United States are wearing braces, 25 percent of them being adults. Over the years, braces have evolved from each individual tooth being wrapped in metal, to a glued-on fixture on the teeth, to a clear plastic "aligner tray." Despite technological advances, tooth correction can last from 1 to 5 years. The more severe the cosmetic problems with the smile, the more steps are needed for correction. Steps prior to braces are unique to each individual and not all are needed.

  1. Consultation

    • The initial stage consists of a full evaluation by an orthodontist. The entire jaw gets X-rayed, resulting in a panoramic view, and photographs are taken at different angles for visual references. The orthodontist creates a 3D model of your jaws by creating a mold from your teeth. This involves lining the teeth with a soft putty that creates an impression when it hardens. The orthodontist takes all the information and evaluates the relationships of each tooth to one another and to the jaws and gums, and the type of "bite" you have, and then determines a treatment plan to correct the issues.

    Tooth Extraction

    • Many people receive braces to correct the unattractive overcrowding of the teeth often seen as overlaps and twisted teeth. This may be due to large teeth, growth of extra teeth, small jaws or traumatic injuries and poor habits. Without space, braces will be unable to correct and reposition the teeth. Tooth extractions are usually performed by a regular dentist and take an hour or less to complete. Time is given before moving on to the next step in order for the gums to heal. Those who do not have a tooth crowding problem will not be required to go through these steps.

    Spacers

    • Spacers (sometimes called separators) are tiny plastic rings or springs that are inserted between teeth, usually between the back molars, to make space for placing metal bands around them. These spacers are left in for a week and may be uncomfortable for some people.

    Headgear

    • Headgear comes in different types, including cervical headgear, high-pull headgear and reverse headgear. The first two are used to treat overbites (when the teeth of the upper jaw extend out farther than the lower jaw). The latter is used to correct underbites (when the teeth of the lower jaw stand farther forward than the upper jaw). The extraoral appliance may be used while the patient is wearing braces or beforehand. The device will move teeth and correct the bite through the applied pressure of a removable metal piece that connects with the metal bands around the molars that were applied after the spacers. Headgear is often worn from 10 to 16 hours a day, mostly at night, for up to 16 months.

    Braces Appointment

    • It's recommended that the teeth be professionally cleaned before you get your braces, although the orthodontist will use his own cleaning agent to make sure there is no debris on the teeth that would keep the bonding agent from sticking to the surface. Teeth can sometimes be whitened before bonding braces to the teeth as well.

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