Braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatment methods used today by those who want to improve their dental health in terms of aesthetics and functionality. By ensuring proper alignment of teeth, it not only beautifies your smile but also protects your oral health. Braces treatment makes people feel more self-confident and helps them have a healthier mouth structure in the long run. Crooked, crowded or irregular teeth not only pose an aesthetic problem, but can also create various difficulties in chewing, speaking and even cleaning your teeth.
Braces treatment allows you to overcome these problems and obtain a smoother and healthier tooth structure. With the advancement of technology over the years, braces applications have become more comfortable and aesthetic. In addition to traditional metal braces, there are now alternatives such as transparent brackets and lingual braces. Having different treatment options for each individual makes braces treatment more personalized.
What are Braces?
It is an appliance used to ensure the correct alignment of teeth. This wire, recommended by dentists for orthodontic treatment, is used to fill the gaps between the teeth, correct the distortions and ensure the proper alignment of the teeth. It usually consists of wires and brackets made of metal or ceramic materials. Brackets are placed on the front surface of the teeth, and these brackets are connected to each other with wires, allowing the teeth to move.
Its main purpose is to ensure proper functioning of chewing functions, rather than obtaining an aesthetic appearance. Teeth that are not aligned properly can cause difficulties in chewing, speaking, and even dental health. Therefore, braces treatment is not only an aesthetic correction but also a treatment method that improves oral health.
Types of Braces
Braces treatment offers a variety of options customized to each individual’s needs. Types of braces offer different advantages and disadvantages in terms of both aesthetic concerns and the effectiveness of the treatment process. Here are the most common types of braces and their features.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are one of the first options that come to mind when orthodontic treatment is mentioned. Metal brackets and wires placed on the teeth provide a very durable and effective alignment. The advantage of metal braces is that they are very strong during the treatment process and are effective in aligning the teeth. Additionally, it can be personalized with colored tires and a more fun look can be achieved.
Maintenance and cleaning of metal wires is quite simple, but from an aesthetic point of view, their visibility may be disturbing for some people. However, these types of braces are one of the most common and reliable options for orthodontic treatment as they provide consistently effective results throughout the treatment period.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are an aesthetically more advantageous option than metal braces. These braces, made in tooth color, provide a more harmonious appearance to the teeth and attract less attention from the outside than metal braces. This feature makes it an ideal choice for individuals who have aesthetic concerns and want to attract less attention during treatment. However, ceramic wires can be more fragile than metal wires and sometimes more pressure can be felt on the teeth. Additionally, maintenance and cleaning of ceramic wires requires a little more precision than metal wires. Still, it’s a popular choice, especially for teens and adults.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are a type of braces that are placed on the inside of the teeth and are almost invisible from the outside. This treatment, which is very advantageous in terms of aesthetics, offers the best solution in terms of visibility. Since braces are placed on the inside of the teeth, they are not noticeable from the outside during the treatment process. However, maintaining and cleaning lingual braces can be a little more difficult. Since they are placed on the inside of the teeth, mild difficulties may be experienced in daily activities such as speaking and eating while wearing braces. However, it is a preferred option in cases where aesthetic concerns are at the forefront.
Transparent Aligners (Invisalign)
Transparent aligners, one of the most preferred types of braces in recent years, offer an extremely aesthetically pleasing option. This treatment method achieves alignment of the teeth thanks to transparent plaques placed on the teeth. Because transparent aligners are virtually invisible from the outside, users can keep the treatment process private. Additionally, since the aligners are removable, they provide great comfort in eating, brushing teeth and other daily activities.
However, the effectiveness of clear aligners is directly related to compliance with treatment and regular use. Additionally, it may not always be the optimal solution in certain cases. However, it may be an excellent option for individuals who have aesthetic concerns and are looking for more comfort during the treatment process.
Why Should Braces Be Used?
There are many important benefits of using braces. These provide significant contributions to the person both aesthetically and functionally.
- Improves the Aesthetic Appearance of Teeth: When teeth are not aligned properly, a person may lose self-confidence and feel aesthetically uncomfortable. Braces provide a more aesthetic appearance by aligning the teeth.
- Regulates Chewing Functions: Disorders between the teeth can make it difficult to chew properly. Braces treatment regulates chewing functions, allowing teeth to work more efficiently.
- Protects Dental Health: Crooked teeth can make brushing difficult, which can cause oral bacteria to multiply. Braces prevent such health problems by ensuring the teeth are aligned correctly.
- Corrects Jaw Problems: Braces treatment ensures that not only the teeth but also the jaw are in the correct position. Jaw problems can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and other health problems. Braces treatment can prevent such problems.
Braces Treatment Processes
Braces treatment usually consists of several stages. These stages are:
- Initial Examination and Planning: Your dentist evaluates the condition of your teeth and creates your treatment plan. X-rays and intraoral scans are performed to decide which type of braces will be used during the treatment process.
- Placement of Braces: After the initial examination, braces begin to be placed. Brackets are placed on the teeth and connected with wires. Some discomfort may be felt at this stage, but this is a normal part of the treatment process.
- Treatment Process and Follow-Up Appointments: During braces treatment, you will need to visit your dentist regularly and have the treatment process checked. At these appointments, braces are adjusted and replaced when necessary.
- After Treatment: After braces treatment is completed, you may need to use a retainer to maintain the new positions of the teeth. This prevents the teeth from returning to their original shape.
Things to Consider When Using Braces
During braces treatment, you need to review some of your habits while straightening your teeth. Braces can cause some problems if not properly cared for, so there are some important points to consider during the treatment process. Paying attention to these points is of great importance for your oral health.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly
Braces can cause plaque to build up around your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum problems. Therefore, be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal. Also, don’t forget to clean around your braces using special toothbrushes and interdental brushes. In this way, you can both clean your teeth and get healthier results during the treatment process.
Choose Soft Foods
It is very important to avoid hard and sticky foods while wearing braces. Hard foods can cause wires to break or brackets to come off. Therefore, choose softer foods to chew. Staying away from sticky foods, especially nuts, hard meats or chewing gum, will make your treatment process more comfortable.
Avoid Alcohol and Sugary Beverages
Sugary drinks can cause bacterial accumulation on teeth and negatively affect your oral health. Avoiding such drinks during braces treatment is very important to protect the health of your teeth. Additionally, alcohol can dry out the gums, which can complicate the treatment process. Consumption of such beverages can compromise not only your dental health but also your overall oral care, so try to limit it as much as possible.
What Should I Not Eat When I Have Braces?
During the treatment process, it is important to avoid certain foods to speed up the treatment process and protect the health of the teeth. Hard foods can damage braces and brackets, such as hard candies, raw carrots, apples, nuts and hard breads. Additionally, sticky foods can get stuck between braces and be difficult to clean, such foods include caramel, gum, gummies, chocolates, and sticky sweets.
While cold foods, ice cream and icy drinks can cause sensitivity in the teeth, alcoholic and acidic drinks can dry the gums and cause teeth to wear; Therefore, beverages such as sugary sodas, acidic fruit juices and alcohol should be avoided. Foods such as seeds, popcorn, and nuts can also damage or get stuck between braces. By staying away from such foods, you will ensure that the treatment process is healthier and more efficient.
Dental Braces Prices
Prices vary depending on various factors such as the length of the treatment process, the type of materials used and the area where the treatment begins. Metal braces are generally more affordable, while less aesthetically visible options such as ceramic braces or lingual braces may have higher costs. Additionally, the complexity of the treatment process and the number of regular appointments are among the factors that affect prices.
