A Hollywood smile and a correct bite are not always given to a person from birth. Quite often, a beautiful smile and a perfect bite are the masterful work — practically a work of art — of an orthodontist. To achieve this effect, modern medicine uses braces.
A bracket is an orthodontic structure in the form of locks. It is attached by applying dental adhesive to each tooth and is connected by a metal archwire.
The appliance is usually fitted for one and a half to two years. This depends on the individual clinical situation. The wire archwire plays an important role and stays in the mouth for the entire treatment period.
The braces system regulates the pressure vector on each individual tooth and helps form a correct bite. Its main advantage is the ability to correct the most complex and advanced bite defects. Among the disadvantages: the care required and a not-so-pretty appearance.
Braces come in vestibular (external) and lingual (internal) types, depending on the fixation method. The first type is fixed on the outer side, the second on the inner.
In addition, systems are distinguished by material:
- metal;
- ceramic;
- polymer;
- combined.
By the way the brackets are fixed to each other, systems are classic and self-regulating: with ligatures or ligature-free.
Wearing braces does not cause discomfort, physical pain or other inconvenience. In individual cases, temporary discomfort is possible after fitting, which goes away once you get used to the braces. The adjustment period is also individual — on average two or three days.
Note that after braces are fitted, the mouth and teeth need more thorough care, using interdental brushes and dental floss. Teeth must be brushed after every meal for ten minutes. The toothbrush will also have to be changed more often, as the braces have a negative effect on the bristles.
But one and a half to two years after the braces are fitted, you can get a gorgeous smile with perfectly even, healthy teeth and a correct bite.