Medical Surgery

Braces treatment

Braces treatment (fixed orthodontic therapy) is used in dentistry to correct misaligned teeth and jaws and improve both function and appearance.

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What braces are

Braces are fixed appliances made of:

• Brackets (bonded to each tooth)
• Archwire (connects brackets and applies force)
• Ligatures (hold the wire in place)
• Sometimes elastics (rubber bands) for bite correction

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How braces work

Braces apply continuous, gentle force to teeth, causing movement through a biological process called bone remodeling:

• Bone around the tooth breaks down (resorption) on one side
• New bone forms (deposition) on the other
• This allows teeth to shift gradually into proper alignment

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Types of braces

1. Metal braces
   • Most common and effective
   • Made of stainless steel
2. Ceramic braces
   • Tooth-colored, less visible
3. Lingual braces
   • Placed on the inner (tongue) side of teeth
4. Self-ligating braces
   • Use clips instead of elastics to hold the wire

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Indications

Braces are used to treat:

• Crowding
• Spacing (gaps)
• Malocclusions (improper bite):
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open bite

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Treatment process

1. Consultation & diagnosis (X-rays, models, photos)
2. Bonding of brackets
3. Adjustment visits (every 4–6 weeks)
4. Active treatment (usually 1–3 years)
5. Retention phase (retainers to maintain results)

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Advantages

• Works for simple to complex cases
• More precise control than aligners
• Doesn’t rely heavily on patient compliance

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Disadvantages

• Visible (especially metal braces)
• Can cause discomfort after adjustments
• Requires strict oral hygiene
• Food restrictions (avoid sticky/hard foods)

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Braces vs Aligners (quick idea)

• Braces: better for complex cases, fixed
• Aligners: removable, more aesthetic but limited in some movements