Braces are a common treatment used for fixing misaligned teeth. The process of putting on braces requires three basic steps. The application of braces is done by an orthodontist and is a relatively painless procedure. Knowing how braces are put on your teeth can make the prospect of undergoing the treatment less daunting.
Misaligned Teeth
Braces are used to treat misaligned teeth, which usually occur naturally through genetics. Braces consist of a series of wires and brackets that apply gentle pressure on the teeth for a prolonged period of time. Eventually, this pressure will realign the teeth into their correct position. Braces are put on by a dentist with a specialization in treating dental and jaw abnormalities, known as an orthodontist.
Cleaning and Drying
The first step in putting on braces is cleaning the teeth. Your teeth must be both clean and dry in order for braces to properly stick. To start, the orthodontist will place a lip retractor in your mouth to prevent your lips and cheeks from getting your teeth wet or dirty. The orthodontist may also use a paste-like substance, known as pumice, to clean debris off the teeth.
The Brackets
After your teeth are clean and dry, a coat of bonding agent is used to cover your teeth. This bonding agent will hold the composite cement to your teeth. The composite cement holds a small metal bracket in place. One bracket is placed on each tooth. These metal brackets hold together with the wires that make up the braces.
The Wires
The final step in applying braces is putting on the wires. The wires are attached to the brackets after being placed into slots located on each bracket. These wires are tightened when they are in place to create the pressure that will realign your teeth. Once attached, an elastic or metal tie is used to secure them. In braces known as self-ligating braces, the brackets are made with special clips built into them that hold the wires in places. Therefore, they do not require additional ties to secure the wires.
Do Braces Hurt?
Getting braces is a very common, and relatively painless, procedure. The procedure does not involve any needles or surgical operations. Most often, patients only feel slight mouth soreness for a day or two after getting braces. It may, however, take a few weeks for you to fully get use to having braces on your teeth. Occasionally, patients suffer small sores on the lips and cheeks. To treat these sores, you can put wax on the parts of the braces that are causing the irritation.
