Braces.

Steps in fixed braces treatment

First Visit

X-rays, photos and impressions for plaster study models of your teeth are taken. Your dentist orthodontist will plan your treatment and calculate the teeth straightening cost by using these records.

Sometimes, permanent teeth are removed when they are crowded and there is not enough space in the jaws for all of them. These extractions are done just before or just after the fitting of your braces and will be included in the total dental braces cost.

Second Visit

Your dentist will explain the treatment plan and the braces suitable for your condition. Sometimes before braces are fitted, separators (small plastic ‘doughnuts’) are placed between your molars for a week to create spaces for the molar bands.

Third and Fourth Visit

Every 4 to 8 weeks adjustments are made to the dental braces by way of wire-changes, adding springs, elastics or other accessories.

NOTE: Accessories are necessary to make your braces work. Elastics are often used to get your upper and lower teeth to bite together properly. Facemasks, headgear or biteplates are sometimes used with fixed braces. It is very important to use all accessories exactly as you have been told, if not, progress of the treatment stops and may in some cases, reverse.

When treatment is completed

Your fixed braces will be removed at a de-banding appointment, followed by removal of cement and the polishing of your teeth. Moulds of your teeth in their new positions are taken to make retainers. After your braces are removed, you will always need retainers to hold your teeth in their new positions. Fixed retainers can be provided with small wires stuck to the inside surface of the front teeth.

How long does treatment take?

The normal period of treatment with fixed braces is two to three years. You will need to make time every 4 – 8 weeks to visit your orthodontist regularly if you wish your treatment to be successful and on time.

How will braces affect my daily life?

Speech

With regular fixed braces, speech is normally not affected at all. However, if your condition requires a palatal expander appliance to be fitted at the roof of your mouth, this may interfere with your speech. If you have lingual braces, you will take some time to learn to speak properly with the braces.

Playing musical instruments

If you play a musical instrument with a mouthpiece, it will take you one to two weeks before you become as skillful as before.

Brushing with braces

With braces on, your teeth are more difficult to clean. Do not leave food on your braces. Brushing your teeth properly after every snack and meal will reduce the risk of decay and gum disease.

In addition, five minutes of brushing is needed every morning and night. Have your toothbrush available to brush after meals, as well as at your orthodontic visits. You can use disclosing solution to check if your teeth are clean. You will need to replace your toothbrush more often – as it will wear out faster.

Eating and diet restrictions

Eating hard food or biting on large pieces of food may dislodge the brackets or bands and damage the wires. Avoid eating nuts and biting on nails or pencils. Cut hard fruits into small and thin pieces before eating them. Avoid food and drinks with high sugar content, such as sweets and soft drinks.