It’s a rite of passage for teens, but many adults are opting to get braces later in life. More than 20 percent of those with braces are adults, as of 2009, and that figure has grown 37 percent in recent years, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Getting braces on shouldn’t take more than an afternoon. There is some pain that occurs in the first few days after application, and sometimes just after maintenance appointments, but overall, you can get used to the feeling of having them remarkably quickly.
Preparation
Most orthodontists will recommend a professional dental cleaning prior to the installation. When that is complete, a consultation with the orthodontist follows. He’ll take a series of x-rays including a panoramic view of the mouth and possibly “bite wings” in problem areas. These are the cardboard appliances containing film that the patient bites on when a scan of a specific area is needed.
To evaluate alignment, spacing and crowding issues, the orthodontist takes molds of the upper and lower teeth. The putty for the mold comes in different flavors, and it’s only mildly unpleasant. It is spread into a mouth piece and pressed into the teeth, encircling them. When it hardens, the orthodontist has a full, three-dimensional representation of the entire mouth.
Application
Braces are bonded to the teeth with a composite. The orthodontist assistant fits the patient with a lip retractor and dries the teeth with air before the braces are applied. Prior to affixing the braces, the assistant applies an etching agent to the teeth to better secure the bonding material. Once each tooth is fitted, the arch wire is secured to each bracket and held in place with small, elastic o-rings. Some braces are self-ligating, meaning there is a tiny bracket built into the brace that holds the wire. Excess wire is clipped from the back, and the process is complete.
Maintenance
Braces trap almost any type of food, so you should put together a travel kit with toothpaste, a toothbrush, floss and interdental picks to use after every meal. Food trapped under or around braces can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Your orthodontist will set your schedule of appointments according to your treatment plan. At each visit, your braces will likely be “tightened” by twisting the arch wire and snipping off the excess. Rubber bands linking the top and bottom teeth may also be needed, depending upon your specific situation.
