Braces
Have you ever refrained from smiling well in front of people? Have you felt that your misaligned teeth have held you back from smiling? Well, if any of this has happened to you, then we at Shobhai Dental and Implant Clinic have affordable and comfortable braces solutions for you.
What are braces?
Braces are the tools that help in the alignment of the teeth. This is the most popular method to get straight teeth. The braces system is made up of bands, wires, brackets, etc. Various fixed and removable appliances are also a part of the bracket system.
The various types of braces systems used in a dental clinic are:
- Metal braces: These are the conventional braces that are used extensively in dental practice. These include metal brackets that are fixed to the surface of the tooth. Archwires are used to align the brackets together. The wire has to be changed regularly every month and desired pressure is applied. Traditional braces systems also have bands that are encircled around a tooth and elastic that is used to secure the wire around the tooth.
- Ceramic braces: These are used where patients are particular about aesthetic orthodontic treatment. These are tooth coloured and because of the same reason, they are not noticed in the oral cavity. The archwire is also of the same colour.
- Lingual braces: These are used in specific cases. Here the brackets are placed on the inner surface of the tooth.
- Aligners: Clear aligners are the latest technology used to align teeth. These are clear plates that are made according to the impression of your teeth. They have to be worn for a specific time during the day so that the pressure can be exerted on the teeth for their movement. These have t be changed every 15 days and have to be removed while eating and brushing.
How would I know if I need braces?
You would need braces in case of:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Visible spaces in between the teeth
- When you have a frequent tongue or cheek bite
- When your teeth do not close completely in rest position
- If your lower teeth are present outside your upper teeth in the arch
- Frequent pain in your teeth after biting or chewing food
What are the problems associated with misaligned teeth?
- Problems in eating your food: This is a very frequent problem with people who have a malocclusion. They often have difficulty chewing or biting their food properly.
- Bad oral hygiene: This happens specifically if the teeth have crowding. They are difficult to clean and floss.
- Frequent tooth decay: Improper cleaning can make the teeth more prone to dental caries.
- Traumatic occlusion: If the teeth are not placed well in the mouth, then they can cause traumatic bite and this can result in pressure on the temporomandibular joint.
- Low self-esteem: Many people feel conscious due to misaligned teeth.
What is the process of getting braces and how long can the treatment be?
After a patient reports to us, we plan the treatment this way. The steps followed are:
- Oral and radiographic examination: The patient is examined well and then we carry out a complete radiographic examination to plan our treatment well.
- Impressions: Impressions of the upper and lower jaws are taken.
- Placement of braces: The braces are fixed after the complete evaluation of the case.
- Wire adjustments: The patient is recalled every month to adjust the wire and change the pressure. This way the monthly progress is also evaluated.
The treatment span could be anywhere between 1-3 years and it varies from case to case.
What food should be avoided when the braces are placed in the mouth?
If you have opted for the fixed braces system, you have to avoid certain foods such as:
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Chewing gum
- Pizzas
- Other hard foods
Just after your braces have been fixed, you have to follow a soft diet routine to allow your teeth to adjust to the new system.
Dr. Manoj Patil takes due care with every case. He and his diligent staff would guide you at all the steps. He ensures that your orthodontic treatment is as comfortable as possible.