Clear braces/wires (Orthodontic Treatment)

Orthodontic treatment moves teeth into a better position using steady, controlled force. At Dentopia this is done either with clear aligners, which are removable, or with fixed braces, which stay bonded to the teeth throughout. Both approaches address the alignment of the teeth and the way the upper and lower teeth meet.

When orthodontic treatment is considered

Treatment is considered for crowded or rotated teeth, for gaps, and for bites where the upper and lower teeth do not meet evenly. Beyond appearance, teeth that overlap are harder to clean, which makes decay and gum inflammation more likely, and an uneven bite loads some teeth more than others.

Clear aligners and fixed braces

• Clear aligners. A series of transparent trays is made to a plan, and each one moves the teeth a little further. They are taken out for eating and for cleaning, and are changed as the plan progresses. Because they are removable, results depend on wearing them as instructed.
• Fixed braces, also called wire braces. Brackets are bonded to the teeth and joined by an archwire, held with small elastic modules that come in a range of colors. The wire is adjusted and the modules are replaced at review visits. Fixed braces are the more widely used of the two approaches.

How the treatment works

Treatment begins with an assessment of the teeth, the bite and the supporting bone, from which the orthodontist sets out the sequence of movements. Fixed appliances differ in the material of the brackets and in the way the wire is held to them, and the choice is made with the case in mind. Teeth are then moved gradually, and the plan is reviewed at intervals so that progress can be checked and the appliance adjusted.

Living with braces and aftercare

Teeth may feel tender for a short period after an adjustment. Cleaning takes more care during treatment, particularly around brackets and wires, where plaque gathers easily. When the appliance is removed, a retainer holds the teeth in their new position, since teeth tend to drift back without one. Wearing the retainer as instructed is what protects the result.