Home >> Articles

What Are Dental Braces

Dental braces also known as orthodontic braces. They are advanced appliances which are fixed on your teeth to align your teeth in a correct position. They are worn on the lower or upper level of the teeth or on both, based on your requirement.

What are the purposes of using dental braces?

Dental braces are commonly used to correct malocclusions such as open bites, cross bites, underbites, overbites and crooked teeth and various other teeth or jaws related problems. Dental braces are often used along with other orthodontic appliances to widen the jaws or palate, shape the teeth and jaws or otherwise create spaces between teeth.

There exists a common belief that braces are meant only for cosmetic purposes, but that is not the case. People, who have facial deformity like crooked or protruding teeth, suffer psychologically due to inferiority complex, which can be solved by the help of braces. Misaligned and crooked teeth are difficult to clean up which results in dental diseases and there is an increased possibility for loss of teeth at a much early stage in life.

How do dental braces work?

Teeth are moved to the correct position by exerting a gentle pressure. The archwire exerts a gentle force which pushes the tooth in to a particular direction and a pressure is created within the periodontal muscles.

When do you require braces?

Your dentist or orthodontist determines whether you require braces or not. The doctor examines the patient’s teeth thoroughly and if braces are required, a complete dental history is prepared which includes molds and impressions, and X-rays of the teeth. These records are analyzed to determine the dental problems and suitable treatment for that dental problem. The duration of treatment varies according to the complexity of the dental disorder.

What are the different types of braces?

There are different types of braces to correct the misaligned teeth. They are as follows:

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are the commonly used ones which are made up of either stainless steel or in combination with nickel and titanium. These metal braces are wired brackets with cements fixed on the teeth.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are made up of tooth colored composite materials. They are slightly larger than the metallic ones and you may take sometime to get adjusted to. The benefits of ceramic braces are that they are more comfortable, virtually invisible and do not irritate your gums. When compared to other braces, they are expensive and may require some extra sittings.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are fitted behind the teeth and it cannot be seen during normal interaction or conversation. Lingual Braces are difficult to fix and it will be difficult for you to get used to it.

Invasalign Braces

Invasalign braces are suitable for those who do not have severe dental problems. The braces are composed of strong plastic trays. Moreover they are not visible.

What are the benefits of wearing dental braces?

Dental braces are available in tooth-colored and they are virtually indistinguishable. Dental brace helps to create ideal tooth positions. Dental brace wires are made up of materials that help to align the teeth and underlying roots more readily and with less pain and discomfort. Wearing braces helps to enhance your personality by positioning the teeth and jaws. The cost of dental braces is comparatively low when compared to other orthodontic appliances.

Recent Dental Braces Articles

Have questions? Jump into the Braces Forums.

Search BracesReview.com