What To Expect During Braces Treatment

Braces treatment is a two-stage procedure that is utilised to correct the position of teeth when they have become crooked or out of place. Braces treatment is most-common during teen years, but is also infrequently used by adults who have experienced their teeth moving out of position over time. Braces are worn for anywhere from six months to eight years. The length of treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. Braces require ongoing evaluation and adjustment to be effective as well as proper care to ensure good oral health outcomes are achieved by the braces’ wearer. In this blog post we explain the braces treatment process, what to expect when they are applied and how to care for them following application. 

What Are Braces Made Of? 

Braces’ brackets are either made from steel or ceramic material. A steel wire is used to apply pressure to the teeth and push them back into a straight position. Braces and steel wire can be applied to either the front or back of teeth according to the patient’s preference. Elastic bands can also be used, regardless of the braces’ position, to stabilise the process and make it happen faster. 

How Are Braces Applied? 

As mentioned above, braces treatment is a two-stage process. During an initial consultation, scans will be taken of the patient’s mouth to identify how tightly the braces need to be applied. Specialist camera equipment (such as X-Rays) is used to photograph the inside of a patient’s mouth and work out precisely where adjustments to the teeth need to be made. Following this consultation, a patient will be referred to an orthodontist. 

An orthodontist will use information gleaned from the dental scans to apply the braces properly. The orthodontist will begin by applying metal or ceramic braces to the front or back of teeth: the material and location depending on the patient’s preference. A steel wire is then threaded through the braces and twisted at the ends to prevent it from coming loose. The tightness of the wire will depend on the severity of the patient’s condition. Elastic bands are sometimes used to provide further stability in the mouth and quicken the process of teeth becoming straight. 

How to Care for Braces 

Caring for braces can be done fairly easily alongside a regular routine of brushing twice per day. Hard and sticky foods should be avoided as they can both get stuck in the braces and cause damage or pull the steel wire out of position. Flossing should also be avoided for the latter of these two reasons. With appropriate care, when braces are removed the teeth will, within a few weeks, be of a uniform colour, in good condition and far straighter. 

Dental Treatment Fortitude Valley – Book an Appointment Today  

Looking to enjoy a more-comfortable smile full of healthy teeth? Book a consultation for any dental treatment you need at Central Brunswick Dental Centre today.