Dental Braces

Also known as orthodontic braces, dental braces are devices widely used to correct the alignment and position of the teeth. Dental conditions such as crooked teeth, cross-bites, over bites, under bites and open bites are corrected through the periodic use of braces. Numerous cosmetic and structural flaws of the teeth are also corrected through the use of dental braces. They are also used in conjunction various other orthodontic appliances to widen the jaws or the palate, shaping up the teeth and jaws or to create space between them.

Function of Dental Braces

The Dental Braces works on the principle of force which is applied to the teeth thus aligning it structurally. The arch-wire present in the brace pushes the teeth to a particular direction and creates stress on the periodontal ligament. The periodontal blood supply leads to remodeling of the bones and there is bone creation by the osteoblast cells.

Installing Dental Braces

First, X rays are taken of the patient’s dental structure and then it is determined if dental braces are necessary. The period of treatment ranges from 6 months to one and a half years. Metal and ceramic braces are available. A treatment termed as invisalign is available. This can be done on patients who have natural spacing already and require minor changes. In this procedure, acrylic trays are placed in the mouth which can be worn by patients every month. Generally these are clear and facilitate normal functioning of the patients. It does not involve bands, wires or brackets.