What are dental braces?
A youthful smile resonates with beauty and vitality like the fresh morning sun. They say your eyes are the windows of the heart; we say your smile is the window of your elegance and happiness. No wonder it is one of the first things one notices in the other, feeling nothing less than a warm welcome. However, irregularities or anomalies in your teeth can play a major role in your facial structure, destroying its aesthetics.
People suffering through such abnormalities already know that it not only hampers the way one looks but also creates serious traumatic experiences like difficulty chewing, leading to digestive disorders, speech impediments, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, wear and tear of the enamel, tooth sensitivity, gum recession and so on. Hence, early treatment can save you those days of pain and discomfort and help you recover as early as possible. Your dentist will recommend the best possible treatment for your dental problems, and if you are suggested dental braces, then you are on the right page, as we plan to give you all the information you need to know about dental braces, from how it works to its costs.
How do dental braces work?
Braces are devices used in orthodontic procedures that contain brackets fixed to your teeth through adhesive. These brackets, made of metal, ceramic, or plastic, are connected by archwires, thin wires made of stainless steel, or nickel-titanium running across the brackets. The doctor tightly secures the archwires across your teeth to put pressure strong enough to move the teeth into the required position.
With time, the doctor will schedule appointments with you to tighten and adjust the braces periodically to maintain the pressure as needed. Over time, this pressure restricts the blood flow to the tissue holding your teeth in place to reduce the oxygen supply in that area. This, in turn, signals the immune system, which sends osteoclasts, a set of special cells, who rush to cut out the pressure and restore blood flow to the affected area. The calcium present in the jaw bone is dissolved by these cells, creating a hollow where the teeth can move in (the desired area), secured by the external braces. With the help of the osteoclast cells, the oxygen supply is maintained adequately, and your tissues remain healthy enough to protect your teeth’s health.
This treatment, however, requires rigorous doctor visits, as some more teeth may be needed to move into desired positions depending on your existing teeth structure. It requires tightening the archwires periodically to maintain the pressure, as the wires can get loose over time, holding back the recovery process. The treatment period also depends on the existing state of your teeth. For some, it may be a few months; for others, it can even be more than a year or two. However, having patience and persistence throughout the treatment is crucial, as the treatment can be expensive, and a little discomfort may persist initially. So, the earlier you begin the treatment and the more persistent you are, the better the process will work and the faster you can achieve the results. And not to brag, but we all know how safe and excellent these braces work, and no wonder so many people are choosing orthodontic braces globally.
When Does a doctor recommend braces?
- In many cases, and the most common of all, there might be some problem with the alignment of your teeth, making them appear crooked. Common causes for misalignment include premature loss of baby teeth, thumb sucking, genetic factors, and so on. Misaligned teeth are tricky to clean, leading to gradual tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Hence, braces are necessary in treating such conditions and preventing teeth from decaying.
- Crooked or twisted teeth can also be caused by overlapping when excessive teeth try to fit in due to insufficient space in your gums, also called ‘overcrowded teeth.’
- Noticeable gaps between teeth, which can be naturally occurring or due to missing teeth from accidents or any other reason, can also require braces. Braces try to fill in the gaps by applying pressure and pulling the teeth closer to fill in the void areas.
- Improper bite alignment can be a serious issue, causing injury to the front teeth, difficulties in chewing, gum diseases, tooth decay, and so on. Early intervention and orthodontic devices like braces can be very helpful in such cases.
Types of braces with their prices revealed
- Metal braces: Most of us have seen our friends or family members wearing these types of braces as people pretty commonly choose them due to their cost effectiveness and durability. These braces are made of fine quality stainless steel consisting of metal brackets, archwires, and elastic bands that constantly apply pressure on the teeth and move the teeth to the desired position, treating problems of misaligned teeth and jaw. The Price of metal braces usually varies, starting from a range of ₹ 20.000 and going up to ₹ 50,000.
- Ceramic braces: With functions similar to traditional metal braces, ceramic braces are an orthodontic device that is more aesthetically pleasing. These braces are made up of ceramic materials and are either transparent or similar to the color of the teeth. Ceramic braces are an effective and durable choice for those looking for aesthetic appeal, as they are less visible than metal braces. The brackets usually resist staining, although regular cleaning is necessary to maintain its color and look. Although they serve the same function as metal braces, Ceramic braces are more costly than metal braces, ranging from ₹ 30,000 to as high as ₹ 60,000.
- Lingual braces: They are a type of orthodontic treatment where the braces are attached to the back of the teeth (tongue side), making them invisible from the front compared to the other types of braces attached to the front of the teeth. These braces must be customized to ensure the perfect fit and effectiveness of the treatment. Although it comes with the same effectiveness as other braces, lingual braces can be uncomfortable to wear, irritating the tongue and affecting speech initially. Being clipped to the back side of the tongue, it may be difficult to clean these braces properly, compromising your oral health. The cost of Lingual braces typically ranges from 70,000 to as high as 2 lakh ₹ due to its customization and complexity of placement. Despite its unique challenges, lingual braces are attractive for people looking for a less noticeable treatment device.
- Invisalign: The most innovative and modern of all, Invisalign, has taken the world of braces to the next level, where aesthetic meets comfort and efficiency. Invisalign is a customized orthodontic device made of clear, transparent plastic materials. It is more comfortable than metal braces, with no sharp edges to irritate the mouth. Removable aligners allow you to drink and eat without discomfort and maintain oral hygiene. Although these are raved about by everyone almost in need of braces, Invisalign has difficulties like prolonged wearing, possible speech impact initially, and its high cost. Its price range is around ₹1 lakh- ₹ 4 lakh ₹ due to the advanced technology and customization required. Although these aligners work perfectly like traditional braces and are highly aesthetically appealing, they might not be an useful treatment option for patients with severe orthodontic problems and complex tooth movements.
Conclusion
All these braces have almost the same function: applying pressure to make your teeth fit into the desired position and treat dental abnormalities, oral health, and function. Dental braces differ in their materials, prices, and the aesthetic it creates on your teeth. To get the most effective use of braces, you need to stop postponing your appointment and visit your dentist as soon as possible. We at Sri Satya Dental Clinic at Vizag are a team of dental surgery specialists who treat all your dental and oral care problems meticulously. We have the latest technologies and surgical procedures to give you the most beautiful smile you have ever dreamt of. We boast many successful stories of patients undergoing dental treatments and are leading the happiest lives. Trust me for all your dental and oral care needs, and contact us today to see the difference we can make in dental health.
