To Align & Guide

What are the Uses of Braces and Aligners?

The following measures can enhance the facial appearance;

• Aligning the malpositioned teeth.
• By improving the jaw structure.
• Smile correction.

What are the Various Dental Issues that Braces and Aligners can Improve?

The treatment method depends on the type of dental issue.

• Crowding results in poor hygiene and accumulation of food substances in between the teeth.
• Irregular bite or open bite affects chewing.
• Crooked teeth result in plaque formation and gum diseases.
• There is an increase in calculus formation due to malpositioned teeth.
• The forwardly placed upper jaw and underdeveloped lower jaw gives an unpleasant facial appearance. The convex profile can be improved using braces and aligners.
• Excess space between teeth impacts speech.

However, massive jaw disorders require invasive surgeries during the puberty period.

What is the Right Time for Braces or Aligners?

The perfect time for aligners or braces is during the mixed dentition period (10 to 14 years of age) because early treatments during the growth period give a better prognosis.

What are the Types of Braces?

• Metal Braces – The orthodontist selects the right size of brackets for your teeth. A wire is bound to the brackets using elastics and aids in painless teeth alignment. The elastics are available in different colours.
• Self-Ligating Braces – The metal brackets present with the locking mechanism are called self-ligating braces. The lock present in brackets holds the wire and does not require elastics. It is used for arch expansion.
• Ceramic Braces – The ceramic brackets give an esthetic appearance because their colour coincides with the tooth colour. They are less noticeable and preferred by teens. Teens should handle ceramic brackets carefully because of their high brittleness. They are more commonly used in upper teeth.
• Lingual Braces – These brackets are arranged behind the lower teeth. It is less visible and gives an aesthetic appearance. There may be mild speech difficulties as it interrupts the tongue during speech.

How are clear Aligners Different from Metal and Ceramic Brackets?

• Clear aligners do not require brackets and wires.
• The impression of the oral cavity is obtained using digital software.
• The plastic tray is customised using CAD-CAM technology. It results in 3-D teeth positioning.
• The key benefit of clear aligners is that they can be removed while cleaning and eating.
• The individual will not have any limitations on the food.
• It is comfortable to wear and does not interfere with speech.
• It is easy to clean and aids in good hygiene.
• An individual requires 30 to 40 sets for teeth alignment.
• It gives a smooth fit and takes relatively less treatment duration when compared to metal brackets.
• It should be worn for at least 20 hours a day for the best prognosis.
• When not in use, keep the aligners inside a box.

What are the Requirements for Orthodontic Treatment?

• Oral Examination – In your first visit, your orthodontist will diagnose the oral cavity and arrangement of teeth.
• Diagnosis – Digital scans or X-rays are used to analyse jaw growth and teeth bites.
• Cost – The orthodontic correction varies for each individual. Your dentist interprets the cost and duration of the treatment depending on your requirements.
• Follow-ups – Go for regular checkups to obtain proper guidance from your orthodontist. Teeth respond better with routine appointments.
• Retainers – Orthodontic treatment is used for permanent teeth correction. Retainers prevent relapsing of teeth.

What are the Instructions to Follow During Braces and Aligners?

• Avoid chewing sticky foods like caramel and hard foods like meat bones and chips.
• Avoid carbonated drinks to prevent the removal of cementation in brackets.
• Keep the brackets and aligners clean. Use interdental brushes, floss and mouthwash to prevent the accumulation of food particles.
• There are chances of mild gum irritation and discomfort due to brackets and aligners. But it gets adjusted within two to three weeks.