Why is this procedure done?
Some adults need dental braces. You may have problems with the teeth or jaws. The teeth may not fit neatly together. This can lead to: ‚
- Problems with bite
- Gaps between teeth
- Lips, teeth, or jaws that do not line up the right way
- Speech problems
The dentist may suggest you see an expert called an orthodontist. The orthodontist will work to correct the problem with your teeth. This is done using dental braces. The braces are made of brackets, bands, and an arch wire. The brackets are placed on each tooth. They may be held on with a special kind of glue or with a band. The arch wire runs between the brackets. The force of the wire gently pushes the tooth in a particular direction. Dental braces for adults may take longer to correct crooked teeth than braces for children. Ask your orthodontist for an estimate on how long treatment may take. ‚
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What will the results be?
Braces can fix how you look or improve how the teeth and jaw work. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your dentist or orthodontist will take your history. The dentist will also check your teeth with care.
- You may need to have:
- Mouth x-rays
- One or more teeth pulled if the teeth are too crowded
- A mold made of the mouth and teeth
What happens during the procedure?
- You will sit in the dentists chair and the dentist will clean your teeth with a special polish. The dentist may use special tools like a lip stretcher to keep the lips and tongue from touching the teeth. The dentist may also use a tool to help get rid of extra saliva from your mouth.
- The dentist will use a special kind of glue and attach the brackets on the surfaces of your teeth. The brackets may be metal, clear, or tooth colored. Some teeth will have bands and brackets on them. An arch wire will connect all of the brackets. It is held in place by small rubber bands. The rubber bands may come in different colors. Sometimes the arch wire is held in place by a tiny latch on the bracket instead of the rubber bands.
- This procedure will last about 45 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home after the procedure.
- You may feel some pain after the procedure. Talk with the dentist about the best way to help you with the pain.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your dentist what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the dentist says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for you.
- Suck on ice cubes or eat ice cream to help ease pain.
- You may want to eat a soft or liquid diet for the first few days after the procedure.
- Cut foods into small pieces.
- Do not eat sticky or chewy foods.
- Do not chew hard foods.
- Learn the right way to brush and floss teeth with braces. Ask the dentist to show you how. Learn how to brush and floss the teeth after each meal. It is important to also use a mouthwash after brushing teeth. Ask your dentist about the best kind of toothbrush and mouthwash.
- You may need to purchase special tooth cleaning aids to clean between the teeth and the wires.
What follow-up care is needed?
The dentist may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. You will need to have the braces adjusted every 4 to 6 weeks. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Sore mouth
- Accidental removal of brackets
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety
- If wires come off they could cut your gums or cheeks
- Cavities and gum problems if you do not brush and floss regularly
Helpful tips
Your appearance will change once the braces are placed. Talk with your dentist if you are worried about your appearance. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/braces.aspx ‚
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Teeth_orthodontics_and_orthodontic_treatment?open ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/teeth/braces.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚