Dental braces, also known as orthodontic braces, are a dental device used in orthodontics to correct teeth alignment and their position in relation to the bite. They are commonly employed to address malocclusions, including underbites, overbites, crossbites, open bites, as well as issues like crooked teeth. These corrections can be made for both cosmetic and structural reasons. Dental braces are often used alongside other orthodontic appliances to achieve a variety of dental corrections, including palate or jaw expansion, tooth spacing, and jaw shaping. While orthodontic patients are often children and teenagers, an increasing number of adults are seeking orthodontic treatment in recent years.
The functioning of dental braces revolves around applying controlled force to teeth. An archwire is used to exert force, pushing teeth in a specific direction. This force creates stress within the periodontal ligament, which, in turn, leads to bone remodeling. Bone remodeling is the process where bone is created on one side of the tooth by osteoblast cells and resorbed on the other side by osteoclasts.
Two types of bone resorption can occur: direct and indirect. Direct resorption originates from the lining cells of the alveolar bone, while indirect or retrograde resorption occurs when osteoclasts start their activity in the neighboring bone marrow. Indirect resorption occurs when the periodontal ligament becomes acellular (necrotic or hyalinized) due to excessive compressive stress, resulting in more resorption than bone formation (negative balance). Bone resorption only takes place in the compressed periodontal ligament.
Typically, a tooth moves about a millimeter per month during orthodontic treatment, but this rate can vary significantly among individuals. The efficiency of orthodontic mechanics can also vary, leading to diverse responses to treatment.
Orthodontic services can be provided by any licensed dentist with training in orthodontics. In North America, most orthodontic treatment is carried out by orthodontists, who are dentists with additional post-doctoral training in orthodontics. General dentists can also provide orthodontic services, but they may not have the same depth of specialized training as orthodontists.
The orthodontic treatment process typically involves the following steps:
While dental braces are effective in correcting various orthodontic issues, there are potential complications and risks associated with the treatment:
Modern orthodontics offer various types and materials for braces:
If you require orthodontic treatment, including braces, or have questions about orthodontic options, feel free to contact our practice. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Raja Sandhu by calling (613) 925-2887. Our dental office is conveniently located at 555 King St W in Prescott, ON. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive orthodontic care to patients of all ages.
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