Braces: definition, reasons, advantages and disadvantages

braces

Valeria Dahm is a freelance writer in the NetDoktor medical department. She studied medicine at the Technical University of Munich. It is particularly important to her that she gives the curious reader an insight into the exciting subject area of ​​medicine and at the same time maintains its content.

This text corresponds to the specifications of the medical literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.

A braces is a medical device that can be used to correct malalignment of teeth and jaws. A distinction is made between fixed and loose braces. Read everything about braces, how it works and the risks it poses.

What is braces?

In dentistry, braces are used to treat malpositioned teeth or jaws. It is mostly used during the growth phase of teeth in children. In adults, braces can often only be used to correct misaligned teeth.

Braces are made of metals such as steel or titanium, plastics or ceramics. Depending on the reason for treatment, the dentist uses fixed or loose braces. Children are usually treated with loose braces, as this more gentle form is supported by the tooth growth that is still present. The so-called invisible braces are an aesthetic variant, especially for adults. Internal components of the braces behind the teeth are hardly visible from the outside.

Fixed braces

You can read about when to use fixed braces and what you need to consider in the text Fixed braces.

Loose braces

In the text Loose braces you can read when to use loose braces and what you have to consider.

Invisible braces

In the text Invisible Braces you can read when to use an invisible brace and what you have to consider

Braces for adults

You can read about when to use braces for adults and what you need to consider in the text Braces – Adults.

When do you get braces?

With the help of the so-called orthodontic indication groups (KIG), the doctor determines the need for braces before the actual start of treatment. Insurance and health insurers, for example, are only liable to pay benefits from treatment level three onwards, while a private dental supplementary insurance completely covers braces, teeth cleaning or the like, depending on the tariff. Although braces are also prescribed for purely cosmetic reasons, there is only a real need for treatment if there are significant functional disorders such as incorrect swallowing and chewing, speech errors, breathing problems or a possible deterioration in the position of the teeth.

The orthodontic indication groups one and two include lesser misaligned teeth. To determine the KIG, the distance between the teeth is measured, i.e. when the upper incisors protrude above the lower ones or vice versa. The same applies if the teeth are too close or too far apart and form a tooth gap.

The indication groups three, four and five include developmental disorders in the head area such as the cleft lip and palate, an excessive gap between the teeth or if the lower jaw teeth bite outside the upper jaw teeth (cross bite).

What do you do with braces?

At the first appointment, the doctor decides whether a brace is necessary based on the patient’s medical history and a thorough examination. The doctor then often takes photographs of the head and X-rays so that he can measure and assess the type and characteristics of the malposition. With the help of a manual and instrumental functional analysis, the doctor receives further information about the mobility and chewing function of the bit.

After the dentist has taken impressions of the upper and lower jaw, plaster models are made from it, which serve as a template for the braces.

The doctor will show you how to use loose braces. You will also learn how to clean the braces and what to watch out for when wearing them.

It takes about two hours to attach a fixed brace because it is glued or cemented.

During the course of the treatment, the doctor repeatedly takes x-rays and plaster casts and checks the success. In addition, fine adjustments between teeth and jaw can be planned. The braces can be removed after an average of three to four years. A so-called retention clip, which is worn for one to three years at night, keeps the teeth in their new position until they have stabilized.

What are the risks of braces??

Treatment with orthodontic devices, like any medical intervention, involves certain risks. Complications usually arise with fixed braces:

  • Pain from the forces that act on the teeth
  • Descaling stains on the teeth
  • Increased sensitivity of the teeth
  • Inflammation, growth and regression of the gums
  • Damage to the enamel when removing fixed braces
  • Tooth root shortening due to the strong pressure
  • Relapse through tooth movements to the starting position

During treatment, unforeseen, unfavorable changes in the tooth and jaw situation can occur. In these cases, a change of therapy by the doctor helps.

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