Dental Braces Procedures

Dental braces, also called orthodontia, are used to correct crooked teeth or an incorrect bite. Teeth that are crowded are difficult to clean and this can lead to decay and gum disease. An incorrect bite may cause wear and tear on teeth and can lead to pain and problems in the jaw.

Any Age Can Get Braces

• Crooked or improperly placed teeth are also referred to as malocclusion. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, "Both heredity and environmental factors can play a role in developing malocclusions." Your dentist may suggest braces while you are young, somewhere between the ages of 8 and 14. But braces are not just for children. Many more adults are getting braces later in life to correct problems and improve their smiles.

X-rays and Impression

• At your first orthodontist appointment, you will get a full panoramic X-ray and an impression of your teeth made. A dental technician will press a tray of flavored pudding-like material into your top and bottom teeth to make an impression, or mold, of your teeth. Your orthodontist will use the X-rays and tooth mold to decide what procedure he will use to straighten your teeth.

Choosing the Type of Braces

• Many types of braces are available today, so during your first visit to an orthodontist you will decide which you want based on the problem you are having with your teeth and bite. "Braces can be as inconspicuous --- or as noticeable --- as you like," says the American Dental Association.

  You will choose the brackets that will be glued on your teeth. They can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. These brackets will only be glued onto the front teeth; the back teeth will probably have metal bands placed all the way around the tooth.

Seperators and Bonding

• To make space for the metal bands to be placed around the back teeth, your orthodontist will place little rubber separators between your teeth. There is rarely pain when he slides the small rubber piece in place. But a couple hours later, you may have some orthodontic discomfort as your teeth move. Take a pain reliever to help alleviate the discomfort.

  The next part of the dental procedure is when your orthodontist cements the bands on the back teeth. This is called banding. She bonds the brackets on your front teeth using a quick-curing light and lets these appliances dry and settle into place before she adds the wires.

Archwire

• Once the brackets and bands are dry, your orthodontist will place an archwire on the brackets. This is called ligation. Over the next couple of years, your orthodontist will manipulate and bend the archwire, which slowly moves your teeth into the position wanted. Your appointments will be every three to 10 weeks until treatment is complete.

Headgear

• If your back molars need to be moved back to create more room, your orthodontist might use headgear. Headgear is a cloth band that goes on the back of your head, attached to two metal pieces that go in your mouth and attach to the back molars.

  Rubber bands are also used to move teeth around. The small rubber bands connect the lower jaw to the top jaw or pull teeth together.

Retainer

• After your teeth are in place and your bite is correct, your orthodontist will take the bands off your teeth and do another set of X-rays and impressions. He will then make a retainer for you to wear to keep your teeth from moving.