CONVENTIONAL METAL BRACES

Metal braces are known to all and has been there in practice since ages. They are the oldest and most conventional form of braces that we all must have seen in at least one mouth we have come across. Metal braces are attached to the front surfaces of teeth and are most effective. The brackets and wire are both made of metal. They basically work by bringing desired movement of teeth in upper and lower jaws.

What advantage do metal braces have?

Affordable
Effective but can take time to bring the desired tooth movements.
Can be used in major and complicated cases as well.

What are the disadvantages?

Easily visible
Need ligature (rubber) rings for attachment of wires.
Difficult to control oral hygiene and with these rubber bands, treatment takes a longer time.

Instructions With Braces

Brush after each meal.
Avoid Hard Food.
In case of Pain, take Paracetamol.
For Ulcers in the mouth, use ulcers Gel (Dologel)
If any wire pokes or brackets break, use Orthodontic Wax.
Warm water salt rinses occasionally for Gum Health.
Every orthodontic follow-up visit should be in 4 to 6 weeks.

Foods To Avoid/Care

Toffees, Chocolates, Chewing Gums.
Hard Breads, Pizza.
Sticky Food.
Ice cube, Ice lolly.
Nuts should be soaked or crushed.
Fruits and salads in bite size pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces

1. What is the correct age to get braces done?

Ideally the first orthodontic check up should be done by a braces specialist at 7 years of age. Although, there is no maximum age to get braces done. Braces can correct teeth alignment irrespective of the age or gender, what is important is to have a proper oral hygiene and healthy teeth and gums.

2. Will the braces hurt?

Braces nowadays are a painless treatment procedure. You might feel little pressure when you get your wires changed but that only lasts for a couple of hours and is absolutely tolerable.
Furthermore there are options of painless braces and clear braces too. Visit the orthodontist to know about them.

3. How many times do I have to brush my teeth after I get braces?

With braces treatment, maintaining proper oral hygiene is a necessity.
You should brush 20 minutes after having your meal and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

4. Can I use a regular toothbrush to brush my teeth while having braces?

No. You need to use ortho brush or braces specific brush for brushing while having braces treatment. The regular toothbrush would not be able to clean the teeth effectively and also the bristles might interfere with the buttons/braces.
Enquire from your braces doctor about the best toothbrush for braces.

5. How long will the braces treatment take usually?

It depends on the status of your teeth and severity of crooked teeth.
Usually the treatment takes 6 months to 1.5 years . You will get to know once you come and visit the braces specialist more appropriately about the treatment plan and duration.

6. How frequently do I have to visit the doctor during my braces treatment?

Once you start with your braces treatment you will be expected to visit every 21 days for a follow up and to change the wires if needed.
Also the doctor might add some e chain or other elements depending on status of the teeth.

7. I don’t want wires and braces to show? Do I have an esthetic option too?

Yes. With the latest advancements there is no need for wires and braces. The most esthetic option which is virtually invisible and much trending is clear aligners / Invisalign.
Invisalign are like customized removable trays which can be worn and removed easily by the patients themselves, even kids and they aid in teeth alignment.

8. How much do the braces treatment cost?

It depends on severity of the case. But usually the braces treatment cost varies from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 1,40,000

9. What precautions do I have to take with braces?

Maintain your oral hygiene
Avoid having hard and sticky food eg gummies, cheese pizzas (bite size can be taken) , chicken legs, caramel chocolates.

10. What to do if my wire breaks or any brace becomes loose?

Inform your braces doctor and take an appointment as soon as possible. Apply ortho wax if the wire is poking and avoid eating from that area.

FAQs on Retainers

1. What are retainers?

Retainers as the name suggests are meant to RETAIN the newly aligned teeth in their respective positions.

2. Is it compulsory to get retainers made ? What If I don’t want them?

Yes, retainers are as important as your braces treatment if you want your teeth to remain in alignment.
Otherwise there is always a tendency for tooth to go back to their previous positions and become crooked again.

3. What type of retainers are available?

Retainers can be fixed or removable depending on the preference and need.
Your braces doctor will best guide you If you need both or either of them.

4. Will the fixed retainer show? Will it hinder with brushing? When can I get It removed?

Fixed retainers are made with very thin wires and are fixed on inner surface of the teeth so no one can see them . You don’t feel them too and get adapted to them in one to two days.
Furthermore, it’s very easy to brush and maintain oral hygiene with fixed retainers and there is no need to get them removed atleast for couple of years.

5. Can I wear removable retainers at night? How to clean them?

Yes. Removable retainers can be worn at night too but that decision lies with your braces doctor. You clean them the similar way you brush your teeth and rinse the retainers in running water after removing and before wearing them.

6. What to do if I break/ misplace my removable retainers or dislodge my fixed retainers?

Firstly don’t panic. Take an appointment with your braces doctor and get them fixed or get a new one made.

7. For how long do I need to wear my retainers?

Retainer wear protocol is different for different cases. Generally you have to keep the retainers for about 2years to stabilize the teeth in new positions.