What is braces ?

What is braces ?

Orthodontics is a treatment to correct overlapping teeth, misaligned teeth, protruding teeth, deep bite, abnormal bite, lower teeth covering upper teeth and including correcting chewing problems in some cases. The doctor will examine in detail and plan the treatment to correct these problems.

What problems can braces or orthodontics help solve?

• Adjust the position of the teeth to be more neat and beautiful.
• Reduces the problem of crowded teeth, difficult to clean, and reduces the chance of tooth decay or gum disease.
• Enhance your personality and increase your confidence with your smile.
• In some cases, braces can help change the shape of the face, such as reducing the protrusion or fullness of the lips.
• Make space for dentures.
• Correcting dental occlusion problems in some cases.

What types of dental problems are suitable for braces ?

• Protruding upper teeth
• Protruding lower teeth
• Open bite
• Crooked teeth
• Lower teeth overlap upper teeth
• Gap between teeth
• Overlapping teeth

Where should I choose to get braces ?

• Experienced and skilled dentists
• Clinic with standard equipment and tools
• Every case has been cleaned and sterilized with disinfectant.
• The location is convenient for traveling because having braces requires seeing the doctor regularly every 1-2 months for 2 years.
• How to prepare for your first time getting braces
• Choose a clinic with clean and standard equipment.
• Make an appointment to see your doctor for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.
• Estimate the cost and duration of orthodontic treatment
• Clear your mouth, remove tartar, fill your teeth, extract teeth/remove wisdom teeth (if necessary) before installing braces.

How many types and styles of braces are there ?

Orthodontic braces with rubber bands

This type of braces uses brackets to hold the wire and inserts the wire into special spaces on the brackets. The orthodontist will schedule regular appointments every 4-6 weeks to adjust the brackets so that the teeth can slowly and safely move to the planned position. Bracket braces can last 1-3 years or longer, depending on the complexity of each case. The elastic system uses colorful elastics to hold the wires against the brackets on the teeth and increase the force that pulls the teeth into the correct position. When we see the orthodontist to adjust the brackets and change the elastics, the first 2-3 days will feel tight and sore. After 4-6 weeks, the orthodontist will schedule another appointment to adjust the brackets.

Orthodontics without elastic bands

This braces system uses specially designed brackets attached to the tooth surface. These special brackets have slots for inserting the wire and lock the wire so that it is as close to the tooth as possible. Therefore, patients do not feel as much tension or pain with this bracket system because the device gradually applies force to move the teeth to the desired position little by little. In addition, the bracket system without rubber bands also has a ceramic option, so it is not as visible as with metal brackets. The special design of the device also helps reduce treatment time compared to regular metal brackets, allowing cases to be closed faster, which has a positive effect on oral hygiene.

Invisalign clear braces

The use of special, clear plastic-like materials that are digitally planned for each individual patient to move teeth into their planned positions. The dentist places small attachments or buttons on the patient's teeth that are barely visible and easy to clean in the mouth. The patient changes the attachments at regular intervals and visits the dentist for regular checkups as recommended by the dentist.

What are the steps involved in getting braces ?

Orthodontic treatment is a process that requires careful planning and monitoring. In general, orthodontic treatment consists of the following main steps:

1. Inspection and diagnosis

The first step in orthodontic treatment is to visit a dentist to thoroughly examine the condition of the cavity, scan the teeth, take photos, take X-rays, and discuss the reasons why the patient wants to have braces and whether there are any special areas that need to be corrected.

2. Orthodontic planning

After a thorough examination, the dentist will develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for each individual's dental condition. Various types of orthodontic appliances may be selected, such as braces, Invisalign, or other appliances, as appropriate.

3. Preparation before installing braces

If you have tooth decay, gingivitis or wisdom teeth, your doctor will recommend treatment to clear your mouth before starting braces.

4. Attaching braces

The dentist will attach orthodontic appliances such as brackets and archwires or attachments in the case of Invisalign clear braces, which are an important part of moving the teeth to the appropriate position according to the treatment plan. Braces may be attached to both the upper and lower teeth at the same time or sometimes only some parts may be attached first, which the doctor will consider according to the individual's treatment plan.

5. Monitoring and adjusting tools

The doctor will make an appointment for the patient to adjust the appliance and monitor whether the teeth are moving according to the treatment plan or not, periodically about every 4-6 weeks, in order to adjust the appliance to be suitable for tooth movement. In some cases, rubber bands or other additional devices may be required to help move the teeth.

6. Removal of braces  

Once the teeth are aligned as planned, the dentist will remove the braces and take impressions or scans of the mouth to make retainers. After removing the braces, the patient needs to wear the retainer for 24 hours and remove it only when eating for 1 year. After that, wear it for 8 hours when sleeping to keep the teeth in a beautiful alignment forever.

7. Follow-up after orthodontic treatment

Follow-up after orthodontic treatment is complete is still important. The dentist will check the teeth every 6 months to 1 year to make sure the teeth are still in the right position. Orthodontic treatment takes 1-3 years, depending on the dental problems and the orthodontic method used. It requires strict care and adherence to the dentist's instructions for best results.

How much do you need to prepare for braces ?

The cost of braces starts at 35,000 baht, depending on the difficulty and complexity of each case. The doctor will help assess the mouth and plan the treatment in detail to achieve the best results. The initial costs that need to be prepared are the cost of X-rays and dental scans. After examining the teeth and assessing the X-rays, the doctor will be able to plan the appropriate treatment and estimate the cost of braces. Patients can choose the desired treatment plan and inform the doctor of any adjustments or additions. They can also participate in planning the treatment with the doctor. If patients have any questions, they can also ask the doctor for more information.