The Process of Getting Braces

Before you get braces, your dentist or orthodontist will determine if braces are suitable for you and will help solve the problems you face.

First they will conduct a visual inspection of your teeth.

If they determine that you need braces, they will set up what is known as a "records appointment". At this appointment, X-rays, molds, and impressions are made of your mouth and teeth.

These records will be used to help determine the best action to take.

The full course of treatment may be between six months to two and a half years depending on the issues.

The fist step of fitting the braces is to apply adhesive to help the cement bond to the surface of the tooth.

Normally, the teeth will then be banded and brackets added. Dental cement is used to apply the bracket and light will be used to help this harden quickly. This usually takes a few seconds per tooth.

Spacers may be used to create room for molar bands to be added later to ensure brackets will stick. These can be used when previous dental work such as fillings makes it difficult to secure a bracket to the teeth.

An archwire is then threaded between the brackets and affixed with elastic or metal ligatures. The archwires will need to be adjusted frequently to help achieve the desired outcome.

When the archwire is cold, it is normally flexible so that it can be easily threaded between the brackets. After it heats up to body temperature, the archwire attempts to retain its shape. This is what applies the light force needed to move the teeth.

Often there is a problem because there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth to fit properly. If this is the case, then some teeth may be removed. Alternatively, an expander may be used to enlarge the palate or arch.

Braces need to be adjusted every couple of months and this may cause a little discomfort. But most of the time with braces you will forget they are there.

The Process of Getting Braces

If your doctor or orthodontist believes you need braces, they will start by examining your teeth visually.

They will then set up an appointment to take X-rays and make molds and impressions so that they have a clear record of how your mouth currently looks.

These records will help them establish the problem and what course of action to take.

A short time before you receive the braces, spacers are added into your mouth to make sure there is enough space for the bands.

An adhesive will be applied to the teeth to help the cement bond to the surface of the tooth.

In most cases the teeth will be banded and then brackets will be added.

The bracket will be applied with dental cement and light may be used and to help harden it. This may takes a few seconds for each tooth.

Molar bands may be needed to ensure the brackets stay in place.

Bands may also be needed if previous dental treatment such as fillings cause problems with attaching the bracket.

Once the brackets have been added, an archwire is threaded between them. This is fixed in place by ligatures, which may be elastic or metal.

Archwires are tightened frequently to help deliver the results required.

Brackets and or hooks may be added to the archwire for affixing the elastic.

Braces often use nickel-titanium archwires and temperature-sensitive materials. The archwire is flexible when cold and, when it is heated to body temperature, it stiffens and tries to retain its shape so this creates constant light pressure on the teeth.

There are now many different types of braces and the exact procedure may vary depending on the specific option you choose.