Especially in the teenage years, braces are often used to correct a malposition of the teeth. However, even older people use braces more and more often to get a perfect smile.
The design of the braces is different, as is the location where they are attached. Which aspects are worth knowing, we show in our guidebook.
Below you will find information about the different types of braces, their advantages and disadvantages, how the braces are used, the risks involved and what you should be aware of.
What’s braces?
In order to correct malocclusions of the teeth or the jaw, braces are often used in dentistry, which are also called braces.
You can choose between a permanently integrated model or removable braces. Often both variants are used during a treatment. The fixed braces are used first, followed by a loose one.
They are mainly used by young people. As they are in growth, braces can have a positive effect on improving the position of the teeth and jaws.
The average duration is 2 to 4 years. For this period, the costs are often covered by the health insurance fund if it is a minor. In addition, the duration and costs depend on the severity of the malposition and individual development.
Worth knowing: In order to become an orthodontist, specialist dentists complete an additional 3 to 4 year training course. It is often their area of expertise to manage the subject of braces. In a few cases, however, this can also be done by a specialist dentist.
Function, Effect & Goals
No matter if it is a loose or a fixed braces, the function is always the same. So-called brackets are used to shift and correct the positions of fixed braces. If the braces are loose, the dental impression is taken and a suitable model is made.
Here the clasp is temporarily adjusted with an extra key, so that it achieves a correction bit by bit. These are active plates that ensure that teeth and jaws are steered in the right direction during growth. Loose braces are mainly used for children who are still changing their teeth!
In the case of fixed braces, the correction is not made via the active plates, but via a wire. The wire is attached to the brackets on the teeth. Here, the orthodontist individually tensions the teeth if he or she considers it useful. The position can therefore be changed from time to time.
In itself, the fixed clamp is used at any age. Adults can also use braces of this type, as the repositioning is slow and can therefore also straighten a full-grown jaw.
Tip: No matter if it is a loose or a fixed model, you have to visit an orthodontist regularly to check the progress and to be able to adjust the braces a little bit.
The goals
First and foremost, it is of course desirable to avoid or correct a misalignment. This applies to the teeth and also to the entire jaw. Therefore, the aesthetic aspect is the first priority in order to be able to show a straight and beautiful smile.
However, the following points, which can occur due to a misalignment, should also be remedied or avoided:
- speech problems
- chewing problems
- Breathing problems
- Problems with daily oral hygiene
- Influences on external appearance
Also tooth gaps, too closely standing teeth and overbites should be avoided or corrected by braces.
Risks & Hazards
Braces primarily offer advantages in terms of tooth position. But risks and dangers are also hidden behind the straightening instrument. What these are, we explain in this part of our text.
Allergic reaction
Not everyone can tolerate the materials used for braces. Metals or rubber coatings used for latex allergies can cause irritation and other complaints. Anaphylaxis can be performed here to observe the reactions and protect them at the same time. However, this is often not sufficient. In this case allergy-related special treatments are offered. Nickel and latex are not used.
oral hygiene
The complicated oral hygiene
Oral hygiene is much more difficult as soon as you have fixed braces. This can lead to caries or inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).
In case of application of force
Risks of excessive force application
If the braces are set too tightly, the roots may be shortened. This is due to painful permanent effects. But the movement of the teeth can also be carried out incorrectly if the brackets have not been glued on correctly.
In this case, corrections would have to be made if the problem was not detected in time. Thus, the treatment would take much longer and could result in pain.
If a wrong bow is used, the duration of therapy may be considerably longer. The desired effect is often not achieved. The worse evil, however, would be if the tooth movements were carried out too strongly and thus root damage would occur.
Overview of the
General overview of risks
- The teeth can get decalcification spots.
- The teeth can often show an increased sensitivity.
- Inflammation and regression of the gums are possible.
- Damage to the enamel can occur due to braces that are too tightly fixed.
- Tooth root shortening can be another consequence.
- A relapse after treatment cannot be ruled out.