You might have looked at someone and noticed some wire-like structures on their teeth, and wondered what they were. Or maybe, you knew what the structures are, but you couldn’t grasp their importance or relevance. Maybe you also desired to have them on and wondered how they would help. These structures are called braces. They are used in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of healthy dental formulas. Braces are a treatment service offered at Nairobi sterling dental clinic. If you were in such a quandary, then follow along, for we are about to delve further into this enigma. Let us shed some light on the subject, by answering some of the most frequently asked questions.
What are braces?
Dental braces are appliances which are used to align or straighten teeth and guide them to the corrected position. They are made up of wires, brackets, bands and bonding material that attach them to your teeth. Braces are used in the correction of crooked teeth and in restoring normal bites. Bite is described as how the upper and lower jaw fit together during chewing. Braces are a powerful tool and play an important role in the correction of such defects.
What are braces used for?
Braces are primarily used for appearance. Most of our clients who seek dental braces are mostly interested in enhancing their facial appearance. They are however used for orthodontic treatment, in the treatment of dental conditions known as malocclusion. Malocclusion is characterized by the misalignment of teeth. This can include mispositioning, mis
At what age should one get braces?
Dental braces can be used by anyone, regardless of their age. They are however more efficient on young people, usually those in their teenage. At Nairobi sterling dental clinic, however, we also fit braces for clients in their preteen and post-teen ages. Teenage is ideal for braces since this is when the jawbone, the jawline and other underlying tissues are forming. At this age, the tissues are susceptible to easy movement, and can easily shift in position. People who get braces fitted in later years still get the required results. However, it takes a longer time to attain the desired form.
How do braces align teeth?
When we think about our teeth, we visualize them as being directly connected to the jawbone. We may think that they can’t be moved at all. On the contrary, the reality is that they are very much movable. Underneath the gums, there is a membrane surrounded by bones, which roots the teeth to the jaw. The membrane is responsible for the control of the positioning of the teeth in the mouth. Braces mount pressure on the tooth. The membrane responds to this pressure by allowing the adjustment in the positions of the teeth. As the teeth move, the bone also changes in shape to accommodate the new positions. The change is also a response to the pressure exerted. The process is gradual and takes quite some time before a perfect positioning is obtained.
Who is the best person to see for dental braces?
Being an orthodontic treatment, braces are best done by an orthodontic dentist, also called an orthodontist. An orthodontic dentist is a dental specialist, who has specialized in diagnosing, treating and correcting malocclusion. Orthodontic dentists are required to take a normal dentistry course just like any other dentist. They however advance their learning for two more years and specialize in orthodontic procedures. You can also see a normal dentist, but you will be in safer hands when you seek a specialist. At the sterling dental clinic, we have qualified and experienced orthodontists, ready to serve and help you battle your defects.
What are the types of braces available?
There are several types of braces, all of which are available for offer at the Nairobi sterling dental clinic. These are:
- Metal or traditional braces- are made of metallic material. They have a bracket attached to the front side of teeth or bands that fit around each tooth. They also have flexible wires or archwires to hold the brackets or bands together and into position. Some may also include a rubber band to link the brackets to the wire. The band also increases the pressure exerted on the teeth.
- Ceramic braces- They are a special form of traditional braces, only that they are made of ceramic that matches tooth colour. This helps lower the conspicuousness of the braces and make them less noticeable. Apart from ceramics, they can be made from steel or clear material.
- Lingual braces- These are braces whose brackets are fitted on the back side of teeth, facing the tongue. They are less noticeable as compared to other types, but more uncomfortable and harder to maintain.
- Clear aligners- They are also called invisible braces. These are clear plastic trays that fit snugly onto teeth. They are removable and should be taken off when eating, brushing, or dental flossing. We advise our clients to wear them for at least 22 hours a day for them to work well.
How do I get dental braces fitted?
At the Nairobi sterling dental clinic, we are heavy on the importance of following due process in all our services. This helps us stick to our professionalism, and ensures that you get the best quality services. To get your braces, you shall have to see an orthodontist for a dental consultation. The specialist will conduct a physical examination of the mouth. This helps the medics to identify the defects and discern if braces are the best alternative for you. The specialist then gets a detailed look at the condition, through the aid of digital dental X-rays. He then produces a model of the visualization obtained. If you had a dental X-ray done previously, we recommend that you bring it along during your consultation.
During the consultation, the orthodontist discusses matters about dental braces with you. These include matters such as the requirements and the precautions to take for their maintenance. They will also engage you in conversations to determine the objectives as well as a guide on your oral health and ways to maintain optimum oral hygiene. Such sessions are truly insightful and carry tons of knowledge and wisdom about dental health. They will also help you choose the ideal type of braces to use.
How are braces fitted?
The specialist uses a cheek retractor to keep the teeth visible and dry during the procedure. He then polishes the teeth to ensure that the brackets will bond properly, after which they are air-dried. The orthodontist then uses a conditioner on the front surfaces of the teeth for about 30 seconds. This helps to further prepare them for bonding the brackets. The conditioner is cleaned off and the teeth are dried. An adhesive primer is then placed on the teeth to enhance the bonding process. The specialist places cement on the back of the brackets and then applies them to the predetermined positions on the teeth. Once the brackets are in place, excess cement is removed, and the brackets are hardened into place with a high-intensity light. The retractor is removed, and the dental arch wires are then put into place.
How long does the procedure take?
The entire process of bonding the brackets and placing the archwires can take about 10 – 20 minutes. Often, the time the duration of the procedure is determined by the time it takes to position the components correctly to treat the person’s specific condition. The whole procedure may take about 1-2 hours to complete There is no downtime, and you can resume normal activities immediately afterwards.
Are braces painful?
Getting or having braces is not painful. However, slight discomfort and soreness are usual after getting them. Apart from this, metal braces may feel a little tight after getting them readjusted during a follow-up visit.
Are subsequent appointments important?
After the braces are fitted, the specialist recommends subsequent appointments to check on the condition of the braces. The visits also help the orthodontists keep track of your treatment progress. This helps them come up with recommendations and other treatments that help in improving the outcome. They also use the time to make adjustments on the braces, where necessary. Adjustment is crucial since the elastic material holding the teeth in position weakens over time. Adjusting them ensures that the braces exert the required pressure to aid in the alignment process. It takes about 3 weeks for teeth movement after every adjustment. Our specialists thus schedule appointments about 3-4 months apart.
How do I care for my braces?
Your attending specialist will give you the required precautions to take to protect your braces from harm. Adhering to these measures also increases the effectiveness of the procedure. These include measures such as:
- Avoiding sticky food like gum or caramel
- Using a mouth guard when engaging in sports
- Consuming drinks which are low on sugar
- Brushing teeth after every meal
- Never let food stuck on your braces. Use the interdental cleaning instrument to clean in between teeth.
- Visit your dentist every follow-up session
- Not chewing hard food and ice
How long does one need to wear braces?
The total duration of wearing dental braces depends on multiple factors. These include the condition of teeth and compliance with oral care practices. Usually, the duration may vary from 18-36 months. It may take longer for adults than children. This is because their teeth take longer to shift in position and need more pressure exerted on them to move.
How is the removal procedure done?
When your orthodontist determines that your treatment is complete, your braces will be removed in a simple and painless process. The bond between the brackets and your teeth is safely and gently broken. When the bases of the brackets are squeezed, the adhesive bond is released, and the brackets are removed. During this process, the adhesive material is left on the teeth to prevent damage to the enamel and tooth structure. Once all brackets are removed, the remaining bonding cement is extracted using a dental handpiece. After all bonding cement is removed, your gums may be slightly inflamed. This will usually subside in a few days with good brushing and flossing.
A final word from the Nairobi sterling clinic.
Dental braces are an important tool in the treatment and correction of malocclusion-related defects. They are highly popular and efficient in dental treatment. This treatment helps in boosting one’s looks and makes one feel beautiful. It also increases one’s confidence and self-esteem. You can afford to smile in public and participate openly in social activities. Nairobi sterling dental clinic is well-equipped to provide this transition for you. We are located at the Park Suite building in Parklands, in Nairobi, Kenya. Visit us today and experience our amazing services. You could also contact us to book an appointment with one of our specialists. Nairobi sterling dental clinic gives you better health, better smiles and a better life.