When you need braces, there's a specific process for placing them on the teeth. The tooth surfaces must be very clean before the orthodondist applies brackets and wires. While orthodonture has evolved significantly, no longer requiring bands that wrap around every tooth, the installation of braces still requires time and focused attention from professional staff.
Preparation
The teeth are prepared to ensure that the surface of each tooth is clean and ready for the application of cement. The tooth surface is cleaned, similar to the tooth polishing that's part of a regular dental checkup. Then the orthodontist retracts the patient's cheeks to ensure a dry area to work on as well as provide a clear view of the teeth. The teeth are dried with an air dryer, if necessary. Some patients also have a tooth conditioner applied to their front teeth for under a minute. If conditioner is used, the teeth are rinsed and again dried.
Bracket Placement
To begin placing brackets, the orthodontist primes the teeth that are to receive brackets. The brackets themselves receive a coating of bonding cement. Then the orthodontist places the brackets on the tooth surface and removes any excess cement that bulges out from the sides of the bracket.
Depending on the cement used, the orthodontist may cure the cement with blue light. Otherwise, the cement is left to cure according to its chemical composition. The orthodontist then removes the cheek retractors and begins to place the wire according to the treatment plan. Once the wires are in place, the patient can choose the colors of rubber band she'd like to wear for the next six to eight weeks.
Timing
The whole process can be as quick as 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how easy the braces are to place. The curing process for the cement is the biggest time variable, however. Older curing processes may take longer to ensure proper bonding; halogen lights take about 15 to 20 seconds per bracket, whereas plasma lights take about three seconds per bracket.
The process itself is painless, though keeping cheek retractors in can cause your lips to stretch and cause your mouth to feel very dry. It's a critical part of the installation, though, and ensures that your braces go on properly.
