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 adjust the shape of the face, such as reducing the protrusion or fullness of the lips.
• Open 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
• Overlapping teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Gap between teeth
• The lower teeth overlap the upper 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 detailed assessment and treatment plan.
• Estimate the cost and duration of orthodontic treatment.
• Clean your mouth, remove tartar, fill teeth, extract teeth/wisdom teeth (if necessary) before installing braces.
How many types and styles of braces are there ?
Braces with brackets
Orthodontics without elastic bands
This braces system uses specially designed brackets attached to the surface of the teeth. These special brackets have slots for inserting the wire and lock the wire so that it is as close to the teeth as possible. Therefore, patients do not feel as much tension or pain with this braces system as with the rubber band system because the device will gradually apply force to move the teeth to the desired position little by little. In addition, the non-rubber bracket system 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.
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 for adjustments to slowly and safely move the teeth into the planned position. This type of braces can last from 1-3 years or longer, depending on the complexity of each case. The elastic system uses colorful elastics to hold the wire 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 braces and change the elastics, the first 2-3 days will feel tight and sore. After 4-6 weeks, the orthodontist will schedule another appointment for adjustment.
Clear braces
The dentist uses a special, clear plastic-like material that is digitally planned for each individual patient to move teeth into their planned positions. The dentist places small attachments, or buttons, on the surface of the patient's teeth that are barely visible and easy to clean. The patient changes the attachments at regular intervals and visits the dentist for regular checkups as recommended by the dentist.
Invisalign® clear braces
Invisalign is part of Align Technology, a global medical device manufacturer founded in 1997. Invisalign combines several modern technologies to help with orthodontic treatment. It is considered the most advanced orthodontic system in the world, using SmartTrack TM material (to see if teeth move as planned), SmartStage TM technology (using technology to plan the sequence and movement of teeth to achieve the desired results), and SmartForce TM attachments (to provide the appropriate and precise force in moving teeth). Therefore, Invisalign can provide very satisfactory results. In addition, new technologies are being developed for use in orthodontics all the time.
What are the steps involved in getting braces?
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.
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, clear braces (Invisalign), or other appliances, as appropriate.
Preparation before braces are installed
If you have tooth decay, gingivitis or wisdom teeth, your doctor will recommend treatment to clear your mouth before starting braces.
Fitting of 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.
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.
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.
Post-Orthodontic Follow-up
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 get the best results. The initial cost that must be prepared is 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, inform the doctor of any adjustments or additions. They can also participate in planning the treatment with the doctor. If there are any questions, patients can also ask the doctor for more information.
Orthodontics for exam period
Retainer
Retainers are appliances used to maintain and maintain the condition of teeth after orthodontic treatment is complete. This is so that the teeth remain in their new correct, beautiful, and orderly positions after the teeth have been moved during orthodontic treatment using appliances such as metal brackets or clear braces (Invisalign). Retainers are important for several reasons, as follows:
Helps prevent tooth movement
• After the teeth are moved according to the treatment plan, they do not settle into their new positions immediately because the bone and tissue around the teeth need time to adjust. Wearing a retainer will help the teeth stay in the desired position until the bone and tissue are more stable and will not go back to their original position.
Reduce the risk of recurrence of deformity
• Teeth tend to relapse if retainers are not worn consistently every day. Therefore, wearing retainers as instructed by your dentist will help prevent teeth from going back to their original shape or spaced apart.
Maintain the results of orthodontic treatment
• Retainers help to maintain the results of orthodontic treatment for a long time, which is the long-term result of treatment. Once the teeth are in a beautiful alignment, retainers help the teeth maintain their beautiful shape and as planned.
Used to prevent future dental problems.
• Retainers can also help prevent dental problems, such as when wisdom teeth push on adjacent teeth. Retainers can reduce the chances of future tooth movement.
• Continued use of retainers after orthodontic treatment ensures that there are no long-term adverse changes after orthodontic treatment is complete.
Types of retainers
• Removable retainers are usually made of clear plastic or metal and can be removed when eating or cleaning your teeth.
• Fixed retainers are thin wires that are firmly attached to the back of the upper or lower front teeth to prevent constant tooth movement.
The importance of consistent retainer use
• It is very important to wear your retainer as instructed by your dentist. Dentists generally recommend wearing your retainer all day for the first few days after your orthodontic treatment, removing it only when eating, and gradually reducing its use over time (e.g., only at night), depending on your dentist's advice.
• Retainers are an important tool to maintain the results of orthodontic treatment and prevent the teeth from becoming deformed. Therefore, regular maintenance and wearing of retainers should not be overlooked after orthodontic treatment.
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