Conventional Braces - The Procedure

Conventional Braces - The Procedure

The conventional braces treatment at K Family Dental involves the bonding of small porcelain or metal brackets to the teeth’s frontal region through the use of an arch wire. This gradually results in the shifting of the teeth in accordance with a plan that’s predetermined by the orthodontist based on the patient’s condition.

Before the orthodontist starts the procedure, the patient has to undergo preparation. During the preparation phase, the patient’s teeth are polished, which ensures the proper bonding of the brackets. Next, a conditioner is applied to further prepare the teeth. The conditioner is removed after 30 seconds. Once the teeth are dry, the bonding process is enhanced by placing an adhesive primer on the teeth.

On the brackets’ backs, cement is placed, following which the brackets are applied according to the positions predetermined by the orthodontist. The removal of excess cement is performed after the brackets have been placed properly. A high-intensity light is used at this point to harden the brackets into place. The arch wires are placed after removing the retractor.

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Typically, this procedure takes around 10 – 20 minutes. However, treatments can take longer if correctly positioning the components proves to be a time-consuming task.

Recovery

Expect a tight feeling following the placement and adjustment of the braces. For 4 – 6 hours following the procedure, the tight feeling is likely to turn into a sore sensation, which is a result of the teeth being tightened into position by the arch wire.

To manage symptoms such as pain and soreness, you can turn to over-the-counter medications for pain relief. The symptoms should go away within 3 – 5 days.

Adjustments

The arch wires are held in place by elastic ties. However, over time, these ties stretch and weaken. This is why adjustments are necessary, as they ensure the creation of proper pressure, which is required for correcting the dental issues.

The orthodontist will also assess the progress of your teeth’s movement and suggest recommendations if necessary. Expect adjustment appointments to be scheduled every 3 – 10 weeks. During adjustment appointments, the elastic ties holding the braces in their proper places are removed. The removal of arch wires is also performed at this stage, which allows you to floss and brush your teeth thoroughly again.

Your K Family Dental orthodontist may also recommend new bands and wires, which are placed for the treatment to progress so your teeth continue to move. Following the adjustments, you may again feel symptoms like tightness and soreness, which you can manage by consuming over-the-counter pain relief medications.

Invisible braces - The types

While conventional braces are the better choice when it comes to treating complex bite problems and particular misalignment cases, invisible braces are better for the following conditions:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Widely spaced or crowded teeth
  • Overjet or overbite

Additionally, invisible braces are more suited for adults and not recommended for children. These braces are more aesthetic compared to conventional braces, and they’re barely visible. There are 3 types of invisible braces:

 

  • Inside braces or iBraces: Inside braces involve the creation of custom brackets on a computer after scanning the images of the teeth’s insides. Typically, these braces are attached to the lower teeth or the upper teeth’s insides.
  • Clear or ceramic braces: These braces consist of composite materials, which are more brittle and weaker compared to metal brackets. These brackets require ligatures for holding them in place with the arch wire. Treatment times using these braces tend to be longer than metal braces, which are stronger.
  • Clear aligners: Clear aligners are removable, custom-fit aligners that provide irritation-free treatment. The adjustment discomfort of these aligners is minimal as well. These aligners are also the best in terms of wear and tear, as they don’t experience clouding.

Treatment period with invisible braces

Patients are typically required to wear invisible braces for 18 – 24 months. However, if the dental issue to be treated requires, the braces may have to be worn for a longer period.

Invisible braces take more time to treat dental issues than conventional braces as they aren’t as strong as conventional braces. However, they offer better results from a visual standpoint, as they remain invisible to the eye. So, if the visibility of conventional braces is something you want to steer clear of, it’s best to opt for invisible braces.

If you’re interested in undergoing a braces treatment, reach out to us at K Family Dental.