What is braces?
Braces are used to treat malocclusions of teeth or the jaw. They are usually used during the growth phase of the teeth – i.e. in children. In adults, braces can often only be used to correct malocclusions.
Braces are made of metals such as steel or titanium, plastics or ceramics. Depending on the reason for treatment, the dentist uses fixed or loose braces. Children are usually treated with loose braces, as this gentler form is supported by the still existing tooth growth. An aesthetic option, especially for adults, is the so-called invisible braces. Internal components of the braces behind the teeth are hardly visible from the outside.
Fixed braces
In which cases fixed braces are used, how the dentist proceeds and what are the advantages and disadvantages, you can read in the text Fixed braces.
Loose braces
Invisible braces
Invisalign and Aligner – there are various braces models that are (almost) invisible from the outside. You can learn more about them in the text Invisible braces.
Braces for adults
What can be achieved with braces for adults? Which models can be considered? What should be considered during treatment? You can find the answers to these questions in the text Braces – Adults.
When do you get braces?
The different KIG
The orthodontic indication groups one and two cover milder tooth misalignments. To determine the KIG, the distance between the teeth is measured, for example if the upper incisors protrude beyond the lower ones or vice versa. The same applies if the teeth are too close together or too far apart and form a gap.
Indication groups three, four and five include developmental disorders in the head area such as cleft lip and palate, too much space between the teeth or when the lower teeth bite outside in front of the upper teeth (crossbite).
What do you do with braces?
Then the dentist takes impressions of the upper and lower jaw. Based on these, plaster models are made, which serve as a template for the braces. This is then made in a dental laboratory.
If you get loose braces, the doctor will show you how to insert them correctly. He will also explain what you need to pay attention to when wearing them and how to clean the braces.
If you need fixed braces, patience is required for the application – it takes about two hours, because the braces are glued or cemented in place.
What are the risks of braces?
Treatment with orthodontic appliances, like any medical procedure, involves certain risks. Complications usually arise with fixed braces:
- pain caused by the forces acting on the teeth
- decalcification stains on the teeth
- increased sensitivity of the teeth
- inflammations, growths and regressions of the gums
- damage to the enamel when removing fixed braces
- shortening of the tooth roots due to the strong pressure
- reversion to the original position due to tooth movement
During treatment, unforeseen, unfavorable changes in the dental and jaw situation may occur. In these cases, a change in therapy by the treating dentist will help.
