Braces are orthodontic devices used to straighten and realign your teeth. They can be used on kids, teens and adults. According to Kids Health, "Braces straighten teeth by putting steady pressure on your teeth and by staying in place for a certain amount of time." The treatment time for braces varies with each person and depends on the type of correction needed. According to Medicine Net, braces usually remain in place for one to three years.
History
The invention of braces dates back to about 1,000 B.C. According to American Association of Orthodontics, Ancient Greeks began using base metals and cat gut in a determined effort to take the smile provided by nature and make it better. In 1728, a French dentist named Pierre Fauchard came up with a device called a bandeau. The bandeau was a piece of metal used to expand the arch in the mouth. It was used as a dental device until 1819. After this, Christophe Delabarre invented the wire crib. The wire crib resembled today's braces and was used for the next 100 years.
Types
There are three types of braces: brackets, traditional bands and lingual-type brackets. Brackets are made from stainless steel, plastic or ceramic. They are placed on the front of each tooth with a specialized bonding agent. Traditional bands wrap around each tooth and consist of metal brackets and metal bands. Lingual-type brackets attach to the back of your teeth so the brackets are hidden from view.
Features
The brackets that attach to each tooth hold the wires that move your teeth. They can be bonded to each tooth directly or cemented to your teeth by bands. Orthodontic bands wrap around each tooth and anchor the brackets. They can be clear, tooth-colored or stainless steel. Arch wires attach to the brackets and guide the movement of your teeth. Small rubber rings or wires called ties are used to fasten the arch wire to the brackets. A buccal tube is placed on the bands of the last molar teeth to hold the arch wire in place. Ligatures, or rubber bands, are used to hold the arch wires to the brackets. The ligatures apply pressure to the upper and lower teeth to move them into place.
Time Frame
The treatment time for braces is different for everyone. It depends on how severe your case is, the distance of how far the teeth must travel, room available inside the mouth, the health of your teeth, gums and bone, and how well you follow the treatment instructions. Your orthodontist will make adjustments to your braces once a month. These adjustments are made to create more pressure and tension on your teeth.
Cost
The cost of braces varies with each treatment. The cost of braces can fall between $1,000 and $6,000. There are special payment plans that orthodontists offer to help with the expense. Some dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment.
