Types of braces and other important information

 Types of braces and other important information

What types of braces are available? How can you choose what is best for you or your child? You can find the most important information and details in the following article.

Orthodontics treats many problems related to the teeth and jaws, and the result and impact that orthodontics has on the appearance of the smile makes orthodontics an experience worth suffering. Let us learn about the most prominent types of orthodontics:

Types of orthodontics :

If you would like to resort to orthodontics, or if you are in the process of installing orthodontics for your child, here is a list of the types of orthodontics that you can choose between depending on the case and in agreement with the dentist:

1. Traditional metal braces

This is the most common type and the braces here are made entirely of metal. Among all types, metal braces are the least expensive, and in many cases the fastest and most effective.

2. Ceramic braces

This type of orthodontics is characterized by the fact that the braces that are attached to the tooth are made of a light-colored ceramic material so that it takes on the color of the teeth, and the wires used are usually metal or made of a specific light-colored material.

The distinctive color of ceramic braces makes them one of the types that are not easily noticed on the teeth, but this comes with a cost, as ceramic braces are expensive and must be cleaned carefully so that their color does not change.

It is worth noting here that ceramic braces help move teeth faster than clear braces do.

3. Internal orthodontics

Among the types of orthodontics that some may prefer are: Because they are completely hidden behind the teeth, it is called lingual braces or internal braces. Here, the braces are attached to the inner side of the tooth and are not visible, and the wire is also passed through these braces from the back side of the teeth.

But this type comes with some disadvantages that you should know before you think about choosing it, as it is difficult to completely clean internal braces, it is also expensive, and it is not suitable for all cases. If it is suitable for the case, it may require a longer time to achieve the desired results.

4. Clear braces

This type consists of a complete transparent tray that is designed specifically for the patient's teeth, and is changed every two weeks. Almost a complete orthodontic journey here requires approximately 18-30 different trays that are changed every several weeks as the distances between the teeth change and the occlusion changes as the teeth move from their place.

Although this type of braces is almost transparent and unnoticeable to others, it can be expensive and not suitable for all cases, and it may take a very long time to achieve the desired results.

The importance of orthodontics :

After we have mentioned the most prominent types of braces that an individual can use, we must now point out the importance and benefits of using these different types of braces, i.e. the goals sought for using them.

Orthodontics is a special type of tool that dentists use for many cosmetic and medical purposes. These are the most important goals that orthodontics are used to achieve:

- Move the teeth gradually, and get a smile in which the teeth are lined up in a regular manner.

- Improving the occlusion of the jaws and the occlusion of the upper and lower jaw teeth on each other.

- Expanding the jaws or moving the protruding front teeth back.

Orthodontic components :

Orthodontics consists of the following:

- Small metal pieces (braces) that are attached directly to the tooth. They are usually hollow inside and have an openable hook.

- A metal wire is inserted into the middle of the metal pieces attached to the tooth to connect all the braces attached to the jaw teeth. This wire is tightened from time to time to bring the teeth closer together.

- Sometimes the dentist may have to use other tools and techniques with orthodontics, such as a maxillary expander, which works to improve the appearance of the jaw bones and expand the range of occlusion and smile.

Duration of orthodontics :

Before getting dental implants, the urgent question that constantly arises is how long the braces may take to achieve results. There is no unified answer to this question, as the matter varies from one person to another depending on several factors, such as:

- The age.

- The nature of the problem that the orthodontist must treat.

- Types of orthodontics used.

- Gaps and spaces between teeth.

- The health condition of the teeth, mouth, jaws and gums.

- The extent to which the patient strictly adheres to the doctor’s instructions.

- But it is worth knowing that in general, the duration of orthodontics ranges between 1 - 3 years.

Maintain and clean your braces :

After installing braces, it is preferable to follow the following steps and tips to protect the braces from any damage and so that you can achieve the results you desire in a faster period:

- Avoid foods that may stick to the gums and teeth, such as: hard candy, popcorn, and gum.

- Avoid various sugars and soft drinks in particular, which may damage tooth enamel.

- Don't neglect your dentist appointments, and always visit your doctor at the appropriate time.

- Brush teeth thoroughly after each meal with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, or toothpicks designed  specifically for orthodontics.

- Make sure to book an appointment to clean your teeth with your dentist at least twice a year.

What comes after the calendar?

After removing the braces and obtaining the desired result, there is a final stage that should not be neglected, which is the fixation stage. Here, a special tool called a dental retainer is designed, which is worn after the braces are completed to prevent the teeth from returning to their places and keep them stable.

There are two known types of dental retainers:

Removable dental retainer: It is usually in the form of metal wires or a plastic mold that can be worn or removed at any time.

Fixed dental retainer: It is usually fixed behind the teeth with an adhesive.