Dental Braces
Dental braces are orthodontic devices that straighten and align teeth and the shape of a person’s bite. Braces are usually applied when a person is in their childhood or teen years, however, adult braces are not uncommon. Dental braces treatment involves a consultation with a dentist and an orthodontist. The dentist performs diagnosis and the orthodontist applies, adjusts and removes the braces (when teeth are straight). Braces can be worn from 12 months to 3 years, depending on the severity of the crooked teeth. During this time, ongoing adjustment is needed to ensure the braces are doing their job properly.
What are Braces Made From?
Braces are usually comprised of three components: brackets, wires and elastics. Brackets are made from metal (stainless steel), ceramic or a combination of both and are affixed to the front or back of the teeth. Wires, sometimes referred to as archwires, are made from stainless steel and run through the braces, applying pressure to the teeth and straightening them over time. Elastics are made from rubber and hold the archwire in place when traditional braces are used.
What are the Four Types of Braces?
There are four varieties of dental braces. These are: metal braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces and lingual braces.
Metal braces and ceramic braces are referred to as traditional braces. They have essentially the same structure, however, differ in that the brackets are made from either metal or ceramic, depending on the preference of the patient. Metal brackets are made of stainless steel. Ceramic braces can be coloured. These “traditional” braces use an elastic to hold the wire in place.
Self-ligating braces’ brackets have a different shape to traditional braces, yet are made from the same materials. Self-ligating braces hold the archwire in place without the use of elastics. This doesn’t mean they don’t have to be adjusted, simply that they are capable of holding a wire in place without elastics.
Lingual braces sit behind the teeth. They are too made of metal or ceramic and require an archwire to apply pressure to the teeth. This variety of braces is more uncommon than the other three types.
How are Braces Applied?
An initial consultation with your local dentist will involve a diagnosis of the alignment of your teeth and shape of your bite. Special moulds are used to expose the person’s teeth fully before a dentist’s camera is used to photograph the teeth from different angles. X-Rays are taken too. Once the dentist has diagnosed the disposition of the patient’s mouth, they will forward the results on to an orthodontist who applies the braces. Brackets are attached to the teeth using strong medical glue and the wire is threaded through them. If traditional braces are used, elastics will then be applied to fix the archwire in place. Regular checkups are required to ensure the braces are doing their job and so any necessary adjustments can be made.
Contact Campsie Laser Dental
Contact our friendly staff if your or your children’s teeth are crooked and require correction. Campsie Laser Dental is open for business Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm. Call today on (02) 9789 6219.