Your comprehensive guide to orthodontics
What is orthodontics? Orthodontics is a medical procedure that aims to correct the position of teeth and jaws using special appliances.
It helps treat a variety of dental problems like gaps, impacted teeth, and bite issues, while also enhancing gum health and improving overall appearance. In this article, we'll dive into what orthodontics is, its types, benefits, and more.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a medical procedure that uses special appliances to move teeth into their correct positions. It can help correct a variety of dental problems, including:
- Eliminating gaps between teeth.
- Treating impacted teeth in the jaw.
- Resolving speech and stuttering problems.
- Promoting long-term gum health.
- Correcting an open bite.
- Improving the overall appearance of teeth.
- Relieving dental crowding.
- Correcting protruding jaws.
- Improving the chewing process.
Types of Braces
There are two main types of braces:
- Fixed Braces: This type of brace is attached to the teeth and can only be removed by a doctor. Fixed braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets glued to the teeth, metal bands fixed to the teeth or gums, and metal wires that connect the brackets and bands.
- Removable Braces: This type of brace can be removed from the mouth at any time. It's usually used to treat simple cases of crooked teeth. Removable braces consist of plastic or metal plates that are worn over the teeth, and metal or plastic devices that connect the plates.
Learn more about Types of Braces.
Forms of Braces
There are many different forms of braces, including:
- Metal Braces: The most common type of braces, they are relatively inexpensive.
- Ceramic Braces: This type of brace resembles natural teeth and is more comfortable than metal braces.
- Clear Aligners: This type of brace consists of clear plastic trays and is almost invisible.
Learn more about Forms of Braces.
Benefits of Orthodontics
There are many benefits you can gain from undergoing orthodontic treatment. The most notable benefits include:
- Improving the appearance of teeth: Braces help align teeth and make them more regular.
- Improving tooth function: Braces help improve the ability to chew and speak.
- Improving oral and dental health: Braces help prevent tooth decay and gum diseases.
Steps to Install Braces
The steps to install braces vary from person to person based on the type of braces being installed. However, there are some main steps to install braces, including:
- Initially, the doctor will examine the teeth and evaluate the general condition of the mouth.
- The teeth will be cleaned and prepared for the brace installation.
- The doctor will then glue the brackets onto the teeth.
- Finally, the doctor will install the wires or bands onto the brackets.
Disadvantages of Braces
Orthodontics is a medical procedure that can help improve the appearance, function, and health of teeth and the mouth. However, like any medical procedure, it can have some side effects. Common side effects of braces include:
- Pain: Some people may experience pain in their teeth or gums while wearing braces. This pain is usually mild and goes away on its own within a few days.
- Discomfort: Some people may feel uncomfortable while wearing braces, especially at the beginning. This can be due to the pressure the braces put on the teeth and gums.
- Sores: The lips and cheeks may get injured by the braces. This can happen due to the braces rubbing against the soft tissues in the mouth.
- Difficulty chewing and speaking: Some people may find it difficult to chew or speak while wearing braces. This usually improves over time.
- Need for frequent brushing and flossing: It can be difficult to brush and floss while wearing braces. It is important to brush and floss regularly to avoid tooth decay and gum disease.
Rare side effects of braces include:
- Gum inflammation: Braces can lead to gum inflammation, especially if teeth are not brushed and flossed correctly.
- Tooth wear: Braces can lead to tooth wear, especially if the braces are not tight.
- Tooth breakage: Braces can lead to tooth breakage, especially if hard or soft foods are eaten.
- Jaw problems: Braces can lead to jaw problems, such as jaw misalignment or deviation.
Learn more about Disadvantages of Braces.
Duration of Orthodontic Treatment
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies from person to person based on the type of braces. The duration for fixed braces ranges from 18 to 36 months, while for removable braces, it typically ranges from 6 to 12 months. Other factors that affect the duration of orthodontic treatment include:
- The degree of teeth crookedness: The more crooked the teeth are, the longer the treatment will take.
- Patient's age: Children need less time for treatment than adults.
- Patient's commitment: The patient needs to be committed to wearing the braces regularly as instructed by the doctor.
Types of Braces
Braces come in multiple forms to suit the specific needs of each individual and the severity of the case being treated. Here are some of the most common types of braces:
- Metal Braces
- Lingual (behind-the-teeth) Braces
- Ceramic Braces
- Orthodontics for Children
Braces can be installed for children at an early age to treat crooked teeth problems early on. Orthodontics for children helps prevent the development of more serious jaw and teeth problems as they get older. The ideal age for a child to get braces is usually 7 to 10 years old.
Orthodontics for Adults
Braces can also be installed for adults to treat crooked teeth or other jaw and teeth problems. Orthodontics for adults requires a greater commitment than for children, as adults need to wear braces for a longer period. Braces can be installed for adults at any age, but adults usually start considering getting braces when they notice that their teeth have started to shift out of place.
See before and after cases with Dr. Ammar.
Price of Braces
The price of braces varies depending on the type of braces, the duration of the treatment, the clinic's location, and the doctor's level of experience. In Egypt, in general, the cost of braces ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 Egyptian pounds. Factors that can affect the price of braces include:
- The degree of teeth crookedness: The more crooked the teeth are, the longer the treatment will take, and thus the higher the cost.
- Clinic's location: The prices of braces vary from one clinic to another.
- Doctor's level of experience: Highly experienced doctors charge a higher fee.
Now you have all the information you need about braces. For more inquiries about orthodontic services, you can contact us through the text message service on our website, and our medical team will respond to you as soon as possible.
