Orthodontic braces or dental braces help to straighten and correct the position of a person’s teeth. Many youngsters and adults have crooked teeth or their alignment is not proper. These devices help them to correct malocclusions, under bites, overbites, cross bites, deep bites, open bites, and other flaws of the teeth and jaw. They can be either structural or cosmetic. The force and constant pressure applied on the teeth by the braces stretches the periodontal membrane on one side and compresses it from the other side, so as to move the teeth to their proper positions.
In order to prevent any permanent injury, this process is done very slowly. The braces are put up for almost two and a half years and adjustments are made only every four or five weeks. This. Many research studies have shown that on an average, a human tooth moves about a millimeter every month during such orthodontic procedures; however, the results may vary depending upon every individual’s genetic constitution of the teeth and the type of procedure employed by process of bone remodeling loosens the tooth and then new bone grows in to support the tooth in its new position the dentist.
There are different types of braces, which are used by the orthodontist in various treatments. The most widely used are ‘traditional braces’ made of stainless steel, or sometimes in combination with nickel titanium. These include conventional braces, which require ties to hold the arch wire in place contrary to the modern ones which are self ligating. A cosmetic alternative to the traditional metal braces are known as ‘clear braces.’ These are made of ceramic or plastic materials and are placed with the help of clear elastic ties and white metal ties. They are less conspicuous as they camouflage with the natural color of teeth.
Patients who are allergic to nickel can go for gold-plated stainless steel. Titanium braces are lighter and are more expensive than stainless steel. Those who do not like the idea of having braces on the front side of their teeth can opt for lingual braces, which are cemented onto the inner side of the teeth. After the application of braces, certain foods need to be avoided. They may cause pain and discomfort for a few days initially; after which, one gets accustomed to them.