Orthodontic braces
Explained

There are five types of orthodontics, which offer several treatment options that can meet your needs and preferences. 

1- Metal Braces:

Metal braces are the most commonly used and affordable type of orthodontics. With current advances in treatment technology, we offer metal braces in the most effective and comfortable way to realign crowded teeth and restore healthy dental function.

Understanding the essential parts of orthodontics will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of how they work. Dental braces mainly consist of the following parts: 

1. Orthodontic Brackets: are small metal or ceramic pieces (squares) that are attached to the frontal surface of the teeth and are supporting the archwire so that the necessary forces can be applied to rearrange the teeth. 
2. Archwire: titanium or stainless steel flexible wire that passes through all the brackets and holds them together.  
3. Ligatures: tiny elastic or stainless steel bands that tie archwire and brackets together. 
4. Metal Bands: ring-like, metal parts of the dental brace that can apply extra force to the teeth to achieve the desired alignment (usually cover the molars) and connected to the remaining brackets. 
5. Elastic Hooks and Rubber Bands: are orthodontic auxiliary parts that help move the jawbone and teeth to their new position.

During your treatment journey, the orthodontist will make several adjustments (usually every 4-8 weeks) on the wire to move and straighten the teeth to the desired degree. 

2- Ceramic Braces:

Ceramic braces provide an affordable option for patients who want an orthodontic that is less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Ceramic braces components are similar to metal braces and are attached to the frontal surface of the teeth, but their brackets are tooth-colored. However, the brackets may stain based on your diet (colored foods and drinks), which affects their aesthetic advantage.

3- Self-ligating Braces:

Self-ligating braces are available in metal or ceramic. Compared to traditional braces, they work a lot like them, with the main difference being that tiny clips are used instead of ligature bands to attach the wire to the bracket. These clips will facilitate and shorten the time needed to adjust the wire on subsequent appointments.

4- Lingual Braces:

Lingual braces offer a treatment option for patients who are looking for invisible orthodontic treatment. Unlike traditional braces, an orthodontist with experience in lingual braces will attach the brackets to the inner surface of the teeth rather than the front surface. It may cause some changes in your speech until you get along with the appliance. 

5- Clear Aligners:

Clear aligners (Invisalign) are becoming a popular treatment option for mild to moderate dental alignment problems. Many patients prefer clear aligners, as they are transparent and removable appliances. If you would like a clear aligner to correct your dental problem, Infinity Smiles Clinic is the perfect place you are looking for. 

Orthodontic Treatment Procedure:

1) Initial Oral and Teeth Assessment:

Orthodontist treatment may differ among patients. Therefore, during the first appointment, our experts will carefully evaluate your teeth manually and through X-ray images to tailor the treatment plan for your condition. Adults may also need a referral to a general dentist to treat any existing teeth or gum diseases. 

In this stage, you and your orthodontist can discuss the treatment options available and the type of braces that will be most suitable for your needs.

2) Placement of Dental Braces:

At your next visit, the orthodontist will: 

• Use a cheek retractor to keep your teeth visible and dry during the entire procedure. 
• Attach the brackets to the surface of your teeth using dental cement and strengthen the tooth-bracket bond using a high-intensity light. 
• Eventually, the orthodontist will place the wire and bands in place.  

3) Treatment Interval:

• Teeth realignment requires a relatively long treatment journey. It usually takes about 1-3 years to achieve the desired result. 
• Your orthodontist will schedule an adjustment appointment every 4-8 weeks to adjust and tighten the appliance to move the teeth as needed, change the archwire and elastic bands, and check the progress of the teeth straightening process. 
• You may experience some discomfort and pain after the orthodontic adjustment, which may last for several hours or days. You can use over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain.

4) Taking off the Dental Braces:

Once your teeth reach the degree of alignment and correction required, the orthodontist will remove the braces in a simple process and clean your teeth from the remaining cement.

Usually, your orthodontist will recommend that you use a dental retainer to support the new position of your teeth.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Orthodontic: 

To maintain your teeth healthy and prevent dental caries, you must take proper care of your teeth during orthodontic treatment. As recommended by dental professionals, you will have to adhere to the following practices for optimal dental care: 

• Brush your teeth after each meal or snack (3-5 times a day). 
• Use dental floss at least once daily. 
• Avoid hard and sticky food that may damage the braces.
• Avoid violent sports and activities.

Orthodontic Treatment with Infinity Smiles:

At Infinity Smiles, we provide orthodontic treatment that combines aesthetic and medical care. Visit our clinics and get your consultation from the best orthodontist, and do not miss your chance to get the dental care required to get straighter and healthier teeth.