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Orthodontic treatment is very common today. Nearly everyone had braces or some other form of treatment. Though it’s optional, few think of it as such anymore. Many people who are planning to undergo treatment don’t know what to expect.
Braces are the most common type of treatment. Impressions are done before braces can be put on. A gummy paste is placed in the mouth to get an impression of the teeth and gums. From these impressions, models of the teeth are made.
After impressions, the orthodontist makes the final decision about what will be put on the teeth (if he hasn’t done so already). It depends on whether the patient is in phase one or two of the treatment. Sometimes treatment only has one phase; other times there are two. When this happens, it’s usually because there is a problem with the bite that needs to be fixed before the teeth can be aligned. There are different methods for this, the most extreme of which is jaw surgery. In surgery, which usually costs around a thousand dollars, the jaw is broken and reshaped properly.
Other methods include the relatively new twin block, which was only introduced in the last year or so. It consists of top and bottom expanders, designed to widen the bite and reduce overbite. The top is made of very thick plastic which covers over the back molars. It can be expanded by the orthodontist (or, in older models, be cranked once a day by a parent or other person). The bottom can’t be expanded but moves with the top. This is usually worn for a year (depending on the case and the orthodontist), all the time – except for eating and brushing teeth. Sometimes it is only worn at night, especially after it’s been worn for a few months.
Most of these appliances can be cleaned either by boiling them or soaking in a solution of bleach and water. It depends on the orthodontist’s instructions; never boil an appliance unless the orthodontist has specifically said that it’s all right, as the appliances can shrink. They generally should not be worn while playing sports or swimming in the ocean (should they get knocked out, they would be nearly impossible to find). They must be brushed every time the teeth are brushed, and cleaned every so often, especially after colds or other illnesses.
After a twin block, or other similar appliance, braces are usually necessary. Sometimes phase one actually finishes the job; this is not true in most cases. Records will be taken again for this. Sometimes a bite plate or an expander will be used if braces are phase two of treatment. Recently the bite plate and expander have been combined into an innovation of the two. This is cemented into the mouth prior to braces being put in. It’s a small piece of plastic that goes in the front of the mouth on the roof. It’s attached to wires which go to brackets around molars in the back of the mouth.
Braces take about an hour and a half to put on. The teeth must be absolutely dry for the braces to go on. They also must be perfectly clean. Pumice is used to get all plaque off the teeth prior to braces. Baladine pills are often given an hour before the appointment to dry up the saliva so the teeth are dry. Then, once the teeth are dry (there is a tooth drier which is similar to a blow dryer) different solutions are put on the teeth in order to make it easier for brackets to adhere to them. One substance, which is green with a sour taste changes the tooth’s enamel from smooth to rough. Once the bracket is adhered, the enamel will go back to smooth. Other gluey substances are used as fluorides to protect the teeth while the braces are on, as well as, finally, the actual cement. Brackets are stuck on the teeth and allowed to dry for twenty minutes or so.
After this, a wire is pulled through the braces, which will begin to straighten the teeth. Getting the braces on doesn’t hurt, and it won’t hurt for the first hour or so after wire is put on. After that, though, the teeth will be quite tender for a day or so. Tylenol or other pain relievers are recommended, as well as soft foods. Even once it stops hurting all the time, it will probably still hurt to eat. Again, soft foods will help until it stops hurting altogether a few days later.
Perfect oral hygiene is necessary during any type of orthodontic treatment. Teeth can pulled into a perfect smile, but they can’t be prevented from decaying unless they are taken care off. This means flossing around the braces and brushing at least twice a day, very carefully. Only soft-bristled brushes should be used.
If braces poke or hurt, wax can be used to cover the sharp part. It can be kept in while eating but should be removed before brushing. Some people dislike having to remove the wax, because it doesn’t come off easily if it’s pushed on too much. However, many other find that it hurts their cheeks much less with the wax than without.
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