Braces treatment is often applied to children during their active growth period, at the age of 12-13. In addition, braces treatment with brackets can also be applied to adults. In adults, more aggressive treatment methods may be needed and treatment may take longer.
How is Braces Treatment Applied?
Braces treatment can be performed through different types of brackets and appliances. In this sense, the following methods can be applied as orthodontic treatment:
In braces treatment, the treatment is performed by attaching the following devices to the mouth:
Brackets: They are the attachment points of the wires that will apply force to bring the teeth into the appropriate position during braces treatment. Brackets are made of stainless steel, ceramic or metal and are secured to the teeth through composite fillings. By attaching the wires to these structures, force is applied to the teeth at the desired level and direction.
Orthodontic braces: They are wires attached to brackets that can be produced from stainless steel, tooth-colored or transparent materials.
Braces elastic: It is attached around the bracket and ensures the fixation of the braces to the bracket. Another type of tire can be fixed between teeth and teeth or teeth and wires to pull a group of teeth forward or backward.
Orthodontic band: They are ring-shaped devices made of stainless steel or ceramics that are fixed to the teeth. It is generally applied to the bracket for support since a high amount of force is required to align the rearmost molars.
Buccal tube: They are metallic tubes in which the last ends of the braces are placed.
Face mask: It is an additional support apparatus placed on the outside of the face when the force applied by the wire to the teeth is insufficient during braces treatment.
How Long Does Braces Treatment Last?
The duration of braces treatment varies depending on the tooth and jaw structure, the person’s general health condition, the severity of the disorder in the teeth or jaw bones, treatment response, patient compliance and treatment type. Although the average duration of braces treatment is 1 to 3 years, some patients may require longer treatment. After treatment, some patients may need to use support retention devices called retainers for at least 6 months. The orthodontist examines the patient every month during the treatment, monitors the treatment and makes adjustments to the braces when necessary.
What-should-be-considered-while-using-braces?
During the use of braces, extra attention should be paid to oral hygiene, as food residues may accumulate around the bracket after food intake. It is generally recommended to brush your teeth with toothpaste after each food intake and to remove any stuck food residue. It is useful to use fluoride mouthwash. Using specially designed toothbrushes or soft hard toothbrushes may be beneficial for effective oral hygiene.
During braces treatment, patients should avoid certain food products that can damage braces and create plaque. In this context, it is recommended not to consume or limit the consumption of hard surface foods such as ice, nuts, popcorn, hard candies and chocolates, chewing gum, apples, carrots and products that may form particles such as crackers during braces treatment.