Preparatory examinations for orthodontic installation
There are different types of orthodontic treatment (or braces), and the orthodontist chooses the best and most appropriate type after identifying the actual problem of the individual. The first stage of any treatment begins with evaluating the current condition of the teeth and estimating how it may change over time. There are many examinations and initial preparations for installing braces, including the following:
- Oral examination: The orthodontist performs a complete examination of the mouth, teeth, and jaws.
- Imaging tests: The doctor may request an imaging test using X-rays, specifically panoramic radiography, which is the most common type of dental imaging and determining their locations. These rays show the locations of all upper and lower teeth during the bite position, and also show teeth that are still growing inside the jaws. It is worth noting that a three-dimensional X-ray of the head may also be used to determine the size of the jaws, their location, and their relationship to the teeth. These rays give a better idea of the actual location of the teeth in relation to each other.
- Dental molds: The person bites a soft material and keeps it on his teeth for a few minutes. Based on the shape it takes, a mold of the teeth is created. The orthodontist evaluates the person’s bite through this mold. It is worth noting that in some cases the doctor may perform a digital scan of the mold to obtain more information about the position of the teeth and decide on the appropriate treatment plan.
- Possibility of tooth extraction: The orthodontist may recommend removing one or more permanent teeth if there are some teeth that do not fit in the mouth, in order to make room for the remaining teeth to fit comfortably inside the mouth, and this also allows for sufficient space to clean the mouth.
How to install braces
After the orthodontist evaluates the condition of the teeth and jaws, he develops a treatment plan that suits the case. He may use fixed or removable braces. Although the option is most often fixed braces that are attached to the teeth temporarily, sometimes instead of using fixed braces, it may be more appropriate to use special removable braces called clear aligners, in the event that the person needs some simple corrections.
Fixed braces installation
Fixed braces consist of the following:
- Braces: These are made of materials such as stainless steel, transparent ceramic or ceramic with a color similar to the color of the teeth, or other materials. These braces are fixed on the outer surfaces of the teeth, and sometimes on the inner surfaces, where they are hidden from view, which makes access to them more difficult. It is worth noting that metal braces are currently made to be smaller and less visible than they were in the past.
- Circular rings: These rings are made of stainless steel or titanium, and are placed around the molars. Before installing them, the doctor leaves spaces and gaps between the molars using very small rubber rings. It is worth noting that a tube is connected to the ring surrounding the last molar to hold the end of the connection wire in place.
- Flexible archwires: These wires connect all the brackets and brackets, and control the movement of the teeth.
- Small ties: These are made of rubber or metal and are used to fix the wire to the brackets. However, there is a type of bracket that has a sliding mechanism instead of these ties to fix the wires. It is worth noting that large rubber bands may sometimes be used to help move the teeth. The rubber is stretched between the upper and lower jaws, thus increasing the corrective pressure.
- Headgear: This may be used in more complex cases, as it is attached to the brackets and connected to special tubes in the mouth to produce additional pressure, help stabilize the teeth, and move them to their correct position. It is worth noting that the headgear is usually only worn at night.
- Temporary fixation devices: These may be used as an alternative to head straps and rubber bands in some cases. Very small screws are fixed in the jawbone so that these screws provide continuous pressure that helps move the teeth.
Removable clear aligners
Over the course of nine months or more, the individual wears several sets of clear removable aligners, each set lasting between 1-3 weeks. They should be worn for as much as 24 hours a day as possible, except when eating, brushing and flossing, and so on until they are replaced with the next set. In this context, it is noted that drinking water is permitted while wearing clear aligners, but other types of food and drink must be removed and the teeth must be cleaned well before putting them back on. In addition, the person wearing removable aligners is advised to floss at least once a day.
In fact, correcting teeth using braces takes time, and there are several factors that determine the amount of time, including: the age of the individual, the severity of the problem he suffers from, and the treatment technique used. Usually, treating children and adolescents takes less time than adults, but in general, most people wear braces for about two years.
After installing the braces, the orthodontist sets special appointments for regular follow-up visits approximately every 4-6 weeks. These appointments are usually quick, lasting about 20 minutes. These visits aim to adjust the braces and ensure that the treatment and orthodontic process are proceeding properly. During these appointments, the dentist evaluates the movement of the teeth and the progress that has been made. Accordingly, the doctor may give some recommendations that will improve the chances of success of the treatment plan. He may also suggest some available alternative treatments. After completing the evaluation, the doctor removes the colored elastic rubber bands that hold the brackets in place because they have become worn out and replaces them with new ones. The wires are also removed so that the teeth can be brushed and flossed well before reinstalling new wires and adjusting them to ensure that the teeth move in the correct path required of them. It is worth noting that after adjusting the braces, the individual may feel some pressure in the mouth as a result of the new wires tightening the teeth to hold them in place, which develops into a feeling of pain, as this pain lasts for approximately 4-6 hours after the adjustment is made. In fact, this pain is very similar to the pain caused by installing braces. First time teething, and to reduce its severity, you can take painkillers available without a prescription.
Dental care after braces
In addition to adhering to medical appointments to evaluate and adjust the braces, it is necessary to take care of them at home as well. The following is a statement of some important tips that can be given to the individual after installing the braces, which are specifically concerned with the methods and means of caring for the braces and maintaining oral and dental hygiene during the treatment period:
- Make sure to brush and floss your teeth in the correct way recommended by your doctor, as your braces are very sensitive and using the wrong brush and floss can cause them to break. It is very important to clean your braces and between your teeth to prevent plaque from accumulating on the edges of your braces, as not removing plaque properly can cause white and brown marks to appear on the enamel surface of your teeth, and these marks may remain forever. In addition, you should clean the front and back surfaces of your teeth and chewing surfaces as well. Although cleaning your teeth takes longer with braces, all of these tips are important to maintain both your braces and your teeth. It is important to note the importance of parents’ role in guiding and monitoring your child while brushing their teeth and braces to ensure they follow the recommended cleaning steps.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, once during the day and once at night, just before bed, and do not eat anything after that.
- Make sure to dispose of dental floss after using it by throwing it in the trash can and not in the toilet.
- Use mouthwash if needed. Sometimes your orthodontist may recommend using a toothpaste with a higher concentration of fluoride, fluoride gel, or fluoride mouthwash.
- Avoid biting hard and solid objects such as ice cubes, nuts, pen and pencil caps. Also, avoid eating sticky foods such as chewing gum and toffee because they can relieve the pressure of the braces on the teeth, and can even pull them away from them and may distort the wires. Here, it is worth noting the need to consult an orthodontist if any of these problems occur in order to fix the braces.
- Reduce your intake of foods and drinks rich in sugar as much as possible, and avoid snacks and soft drinks.
