Types of Braces You Need to Know Before Installation

Teeth are an integral part of the surrounding structures, such as chewing muscle tissue, the face, and jaw bones. Apart from their function of chewing food, teeth also have an important role in aesthetics, so dental problems will affect a person's appearance. Some of us may have dental problems such as overlapping teeth, crowding, forward front teeth, or a crossbite between the upper and lower jaws. Irregular tooth arrangement and the relationship between the teeth between the upper and lower jaws is not ideal. This is called malocclusion. Causes of malocclusion include fetal development disorders, tooth growth disorders, thumb sucking, and so on. To correct the condition of malocclusion, orthodontic treatment is necessary. Orthodontic treatment is carried out to correct the irregular position of the teeth and improve the relationship between the upper jaw and the lower jaw so that the teeth are aligned so that the masticatory function, speech function, and aesthetics are expected to improve. Orthodontic treatment is carried out based on biomechanical principles. Teeth whose alignment is less than ideal are corrected by shifting the teeth to reach the ideal position. In order for it to shift, it requires the installation of an orthodontic device, which will be activated at certain time intervals. When activated, there is pressure on the teeth, which is continued on the jawbone so that the teeth will eventually shift, which is why sometimes patients will feel uncomfortable when installing or activating the device.

The length of time required for orthodontic treatment varies depending on the severity of the case and the patient's disciplinary factors. The choice of type of orthodontic appliance also really depends on the diagnosis and the severity of the malocclusion case. Broadly speaking, orthodontic tools can be divided into two categories, namely:

1. Fixed Orthodontic Appliances

This orthodontic treatment consists of several components, namely brackets, wires, rubber, and other accessories such as expansion devices and molar bands. Fixed orthodontic devices cannot be removed by the patient himself. This treatment can take around eighteen months or so, depending on the patient's level of difficulty and discipline.

2. Removable Orthodontic Appliances

This type of removable orthodontic treatment consists of acrylic plate components with clammers that can be removed. Removable orthodontic appliances are only removed when cleaning and during exercise, such as swimming. This tool can usually be used in cases of mild malocclusion that do not require tooth extraction.

So that you don't make the wrong choice, there are several types of braces that you need to know about their advantages and disadvantages. Here are several types of braces that are useful for your consideration before straightening your teeth.

1. Conventional Braces

Conventional braces consist of three components, namely brackets, wire, and rubber. Metal braces are probably the type most people use to improve the condition of their teeth. Conventional braces have become a trend among young people; apart from that, conventional braces are also available in various colors that you can choose according to your taste. However, it is not uncommon for braces users to complain of pain at the start of installation; this indicates that the braces are working to apply pressure so that the teeth can move into the ideal position. Apart from that, some users also complain of difficulty chewing, and there is a greater risk of food sticking to the dental wire and brackets. The duration of treatment is 1-3 years, depending on the condition of your teeth. After braces treatment is complete, you need to continue treatment using a retainer. The retainer functions to hold the new ideal position of your teeth after removing the braces.

2. Transparent Braces (Clear Aligner)

Transparent braces, also known as clear aligners, are a new breakthrough in the world of dentistry using 3D technology. Because of their transparent appearance, clear aligners do not make your teeth look conspicuous. Apart from that, you can also remove this type of brace yourself as needed, for example, when eating or brushing your teeth, so there are no dietary restrictions while using this treatment. This type of brace is quite effective in straightening your teeth so that they are aligned. Treatment usually takes 3–9 months, depending on the condition of your teeth.

3. Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces mean self-ligating or self-locking braces. Basically, self-ligating braces have a similar appearance to conventional braces, but this type of brace does not use elastic rubber but rather special clips to hold the wire in position on each tooth bracket. The clip will reduce friction between the braces and the wire so that the wire can move more freely in the bracket. Self-ligating wire does not use rubber, so it has a choice of angles that can be adjusted to the angle of inclination of the teeth and will be more precise in various cases. In addition, self-ligating wire treatment is less painful because the pressure applied to the teeth will be more stable. Self-ligating braces are also widely preferred because they are proven to shorten the period of use by 6 months to 1 year faster than conventional braces. This is related to their ability to improve the dental arch and reduce the need for tooth extraction. After knowing the characteristics of various types of braces, consult your dental problem with an orthodontic specialist to get the best treatment.