Malocclusion or abnormal occlusion of the teeth is one of the major functional and cosmetic concern in children, teenagers and adults. With the invention of correction of malocclusion such concerns are easily addressed with intervention by a specialist at the right time. In the initial days when orthodontics (a branch of dentistry which specializes in the treatment of maligned teeth) was only successful during the teenage group, the scope was very little for adults but nowadays orthodontic treatments are made suitable for adults. Dental or orthodontic braces are in simple terms wires, brackets and ligatures which are used to correct maligned teeth.
What is malocclusion ?
Occlusion refers the way normal teeth rest on each other thereby helping in performing functions like biting and chewing. Malocclusion is the malalignment of permanent teeth either due to lack of space, use of pacifiers, long standing thumb-sucking habits smaller jaw sizes, larger teeth and extra teeth (supernumerary teeth). The teeth start maligning themselves when they have lack of space. Hence, the teeth have a crowded and crooked appearance.
How a malocclusion is diagnosed ?
A malocclusion is diagnosed by a certified dentist/orthodontist during a routine dental checkup. It is always advisable to meet a dentist if you or your child are experiencing crowding of teeth, difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene and cosmetic concerns. The dentist visits ideally after the age of one year as a preventive measure to identify any dental issues which need to be addressed.
What are the effects of malocclusion ?
Malocclusion can affect the individual either mildly or severely depending on the number of teeth involved, the extent of malocclusion. Most of the patients get the malocclusion treated because of cosmetic concerns, whereas some individuals who have severe malocclusion can have speech and hearing deficits also which need special attention.
When is an dental braces or orthodontic braces treatment advised ?
With orthodontic treatments the rule the earlier the better is applicable. It’s not because the treatments are not successful in adults but because of the fact that if an orthodontic treatment is initiated during the growth years of the child, the results are very controlled and long lasting. Usually the treatment is done in two phases phase one where initial planning is done to correct the crowded teeth and expansion of jaw using expanders to give more space for tooth movement. The phase two begins during the early teen age period when almost all permanent teeth have erupted in the oral cavity and braces can be now used to correct the malocclusion.
Why is dental braces treatment done ?
The orthodontic braces are broadly placed to correct malocclusion. Malocclusion can present in the below mentioned forms.
- Crowding of teeth
- Spacing between teeth
- Extra teeth
- Protruding upper anterior teeth
- Protruding lower teeth
- Abnormal bite patterns
What are the uses of getting dental braces ?
The dental/orthodontic braces not only help in address the problems associated with malocclusion but also improve the aesthetic appearance thereby improving your or your child’s confidence.
Are there any risks associated with dental braces ?
There is slight amount of risk associated with braces treatment. Because of the wires and brackets around your teeth the oral hygiene could be compromised leading to caries or plaque deposits. If the braces are not placed appropriately they can cause tooth mobility, bone loss around the tooth and inadequate correction. Hence, the follow up and monitoring of the orthodontic treatment is very important to assess the progress of your treatment.
How do you prepare for an dental braces treatment ?
If you or your child are diagnosed with malocclusion by your dentist, he/she might advise an orthodontic consultation to plan the further treatment. The orthodontist will take a detailed history of your overall health and do a thorough examination of your oral cavity. The examination might be guided by radiographs or orthopantamograph (OPG) and CT scan if required. Sometimes during planning of the treatment your doctor might advise you to get some teeth extracted to create some space for tooth movement. Mostly your upper and premolars are removed for creating space. The orthodontist will also take impressions of your jaws and teeth to plan the arrangement of braces and the type of appliance required. The treatment differs from single tooth alignment to multiple teeth alignment. Braces are usually applied for multiple teeth alignment.
How are dental braces placed ?
Orthodontic braces are placed by a certified orthodontist. The braces can be made of metal, ceramic or specially designed plastic material. The braces are fixed appliances which have three components, the brackets which are stick to the outer surfaces of the tooth, the bands which are usually made of rubber and a flexible bending wire. The brackets can be metal or can be tooth colored. The rubber bands can be available in colors for kids also. The brackets can also be placed on the inner surface of the tooth. Once the braces are placed you might feel slight soreness in the mouth but you will slowly get adjusted to it. The braces need time to time adjustments and rubber bands need to be changed. The braces can be worn as long as advised by the doctor and post that the doctor will ask you to wear retainers to maintained the corrected occlusion. Wearing a retained is very important as if you don’t wear a retain your teeth might malign again.
What after care is needed when dental braces are placed ?
The maintenance of oral hygiene is a challenge with braces as food may accumulate in between braces causing plaque accumulation and dental caries. Special brushes and brushing techniques are taught to individuals wearing braces. It is advised that you stay away from sticky and starchy food and brush and floss regularly. You might be advised to use a mouthwash to rinse your oral cavity once a day. It is important to regularly visit your dentist and follow the instructions as if you don’t comply with the doctor’s instructions it may affect the overall outcome of the treatment.
What are the recent advances in the field of dental braces ?
Some individuals are not comfortable with the idea of wearing metal or ceramic brackets and wire on their teeth, for them clear aligners are available which are custom made removable appliances which help in correcting minor to moderate malocclusions. It is advised to ask your treating orthodontist if they can be suitable for your requirement.
What is the outcome of dental braces treatment ?
Orthodontic braces are a great success in treating malocclusion when the same is addressed appropriately. Though an orthodontic treatment requires a lot of patience and frequent visits to the dentist, the end result of corrected occlusion and improvement in oral aesthetics is a win-win.
How to find dental surgeons for dental braces ?
Now you can find dental surgeons for dental braces treatment from different dental clinics, hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple dental surgeons , get approximate cost for dental braces treatment from different dental clinics and hospitals, compare things and then choose a dental surgeon or a hospital for dental braces treatment.
Find and choose a dental surgeon for dental braces on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
