What are Braces All You Need To Know

November 03, 2022, Wellness Dental

Are you ready to get your braces on? After your consultation and appointment, you can start straightening your smile. But how do braces work? What is the average time it takes to get braces?

It might seem scary that an orthodontist would attach braces to your teeth, but it is not a frightening idea. It is simple and quick. It will be done in no time.

We will explain how to attach different types of braces on your teeth. Continue reading to find out more about the process so that you are ready for your appointment.

A clean surface

Always bring clean teeth to your appointment with an orthodontist. This will make the experience more enjoyable for all involved and show off your excellent dental hygiene.

Keep this in mind when you visit the assistant orthodontist to clean your teeth. You may be given a paste or polisher.

They will then dry your teeth. It might feel uncomfortable as your mouth will be dry during braces installation.

Brackets are in the Time Zone

Once your teeth have been cleaned and dried, your assistant or orthodontist can attach your brackets. The assistant will place a small amount adhesive (often called glue or cement) in each tooth's center and then attach the bracket to it until it sticks.

To set the glue and harden it, the orthodontist will need to shine a special light on the tooth. The brackets should not be made of metal. However, you will not be able see the glue.

Brackets will be needed around the entire mouth for standard braces. This is a long process, so you should expect some discomfort as your mouth is open.

Anchoring the Braces

Although it might appear that the braces are securely anchored to the teeth, the orthodontist will want to anchor them.

They will choose a suitable size metal band for you and then slide it over your molars. After they have determined the size and location, they will use the same glue as they did on the brackets to attach the metal band to your teeth.

The band will be placed onto the tooth by the orthodontist. The orthodontist may need to make some adjustments before they find the perfect spot.

Before the orthodontist places your band, let them know if you feel uncomfortable. They can make it more comfortable over time.

Add the Wires

Here are the wires. The wire wraps around your teeth, top and bottom. It's then cut at the ends so that it doesn't touch your gums.

An orthodontist will attach each bracket to the wire using a rubber band. The bands can be made in any color you like, but many prefer clear ones. This makes the braces less noticeable.

You're done. You'll be released until your next appointment.

What about Clear Aligners?

It is possible you are wondering what happens if you choose to have clear aligners like Invisalign instead of traditional metal braces or ceramic braces. Although this process is simpler, it can sometimes require additional steps depending on how severe your case is.

If you are choosing metal braces, your orthodontist might allow you to begin your treatment the same day as your consultation. This is because they do all the adjustments and the treatment is simpler.

Clear aligners require a scan of your teeth or an impression. The scan or impression is sent to the aligner company by your orthodontist so that they can create a mockup of your future smile.

This can take several weeks.

What about attaching?

Attachments and buttons are necessary for your next appointment. The buttons hold rubberbands, while the attachments allow your teeth to move.

These buttons and attachments are similar to standard braces bracket placement. As with standard braces the assistant or orthodontist will clean and dry your teeth. They will apply the glue, set it, then place your buttons.

They'll attach your aligners to the "attachment" slots using a thin version. Your aligners will be placed and your mouth will be lit with blue light. The attachments will remain on your teeth after they have removed the aligners.

They will use your aligner if they have to replace an attachment.

How are braces put on? It's easy

You don't have to be anxious if you are wondering how braces are put on. Because they have assisted many patients with braces, the assistants and orthodontists know how to make it painless and quick.

Clear aligners take less than one hour, while appointments last between one and two hours. You'll be happy that your appointment was successful and will leave with a straighter smile.

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