Braces: How to Correct a Bite and When to Start Treatment

Misaligned teeth, gaps between them, or difficulty closing the jaws can affect not only the appearance of your smile but also your comfort while chewing and maintaining oral hygiene. In such cases, it’s a good idea to consult an orthodontist, who will assess the condition of your teeth and jaws and help you choose the right treatment option.

Who Needs Braces and What Bite Problems Do They Correct?

One of the indications for braces is an malocclusion ( open bite , deep bite, crossbite, distal bite, or mesial bite), in which the rows of teeth do not align properly and disrupt the normal relationship between the jaws. Other indications for braces include:

• large gaps (diastemas) between the teeth;
• rotation of individual teeth around their own axis;
• displacement of the midline of the dental arch;
• crowding (insufficient space in the dental arch, causing teeth to be misaligned or overlapping);
• speech or chewing difficulties due to improper jaw alignment;
• preparation of the dental arch for future prosthetics or implants.

Braces correct the bite by applying controlled force to the teeth. However, after the braces are removed, the teeth still tend to shift back to their original positions for some time. Therefore, the dentist may prescribe retainers —special devices designed to stabilize the results and keep the teeth in the correct position.

How Braces Are Fitted

Before starting treatment, the dentist conducts a detailed examination, assesses the condition of the teeth and jaws, and creates a personalized treatment plan. In modern orthodontics, 3D dental scanning is used instead of impressions, which allows for the creation of an accurate digital model of the dental arches. Stages of braces placement:

1. Professional tooth preparation. The enamel surface is cleaned of plaque and dried before the braces are attached.
2. Application of adhesive. The teeth are coated with a special material that ensures the braces are securely attached.
3. Bracket placement. Each bracket is bonded to the corresponding tooth according to the treatment plan.
4. Placing the archwire. The orthodontic archwire is secured in the slots of the brackets to apply pressure and gradually move the teeth.

The placement of braces usually takes one to two hours. After the braces are secured, the dentist explains the care instructions and sets a schedule for follow-up visits.

How Long Does Braces Treatment Last and How to Care for Them

After the braces are fitted, it’s important to take proper care of your teeth to avoid complications. Recommendations for caring for your braces:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste;
• use dental floss and special interdental brushes to clean the areas around the braces;
• use an alcohol-free mouthwash;
• avoid hard, sticky, and overly crunchy foods;
• visit your orthodontist regularly to monitor tooth movement;
• undergo professional dental cleaning at the dentist’s office.

The duration of braces treatment depends on the complexity of the malocclusion, the patient’s age, and the rate of tooth movement. On average, the braces are worn for one to three years.

Braces Treatment at "ON Clinic Odessa"

Orthodontic treatment at the https://onclinic.ua/dentistry-odessa medical center involves the individual selection of a braces system based on the patient’s bite and aesthetic preferences. Braces system options:

• metal — stainless steel structures consisting of brackets, wires, and fasteners;
• ceramic — systems made of a material whose color closely matches the natural shade of the teeth.

Metal systems can be ligature-retained or self-ligating, depending on how the archwire is secured. Ceramic systems work on the same principle but are less noticeable when speaking or smiling. At the same time, ceramic is more fragile than metal, which is also taken into account when planning treatment.

Олена Болган