Attaching braces is an indispensable part to support the orthodontic process to take place more smoothly and quickly and they will be attached with tools such as braces and archwires. However, braces are only indicated in certain cases, not all. Let’s find out with BIK International Dental Clinic where braces are attached and what their uses are!
1. What is a braces band?
Image of braces attached
A braces band (also known as a braces stitch) is a necessary tool in the orthodontic process using traditional braces. The advantage of using braces is that it shortens the treatment time thanks to the strong pulling force. However, the doctor needs to calculate carefully so as not to damage the tooth structure.
Types of braces:
Braces are usually placed at tooth number 6 or 7 with metal material, round or slightly square shape with a structure consisting of 3 parts as follows:
– Hook on the outside to attach elastic bands and springs.
– Tubes on the cheek to thread the archwire.
– Small tubes under the tongue to attach other appliances as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Uses of braces
Using braces will help the orthodontic process achieve optimal results thanks to the following uses:
– Create a solid support for the braces system, minimizing the case of braces being bent or slipping during chewing.
– Applying force to move teeth to the desired position, shortening orthodontic time.
– Contributing to adjusting the standard bite on the jaw, improving chewing ability as well as preventing oral diseases.
3. In which cases is it necessary to attach braces?
Not all cases require braces, but are only used in complex orthodontic cases that require devices such as jaw expanders and lingual arches. Or in cases where the clinical tooth body is short, the braces may come off, the doctor will prescribe an orthodontic band.
In simple orthodontic cases, without the need to use complex instruments or the clinical tooth body is just enough, the doctor will only attach braces to limit discomfort for the patient.
4. How do molars change when braces are attached?
The braces process is very long, it takes up to 2 years to complete the orthodontic process, so the minimum time to clearly see the difference in the teeth is 2 months or more.
After the braces are attached, the change in tooth position depends on each person’s constitution, there are cases that are very fast in just a few months, but there are also cases that take several years for the band to pull all the teeth back to the desired position. Therefore, people with braces do not need to observe every day and wait for changes in the teeth, but should focus on the oral care process to get the best treatment results.
5. Can braces not be worn?
Many patients are afraid of experiencing the discomfort of wearing braces during the braces process. However, although not used for all orthodontic cases, the band is a very important and indispensable part in certain cases if you want to get high treatment results.
Therefore, when customers come to the dentist, they will be examined carefully and meticulously before the doctor decides whether to use the band or not. If the doctor prescribes wearing a band, the customer does not need to worry too much but should cooperate with the doctor so that the orthodontic process can take place smoothly, safely and bring the highest results.
6. How long does it take to wear braces?
The braces band is an important tool that serves as a support for the bracket and elastic system, so it will be attached to the patient throughout the braces process.
Only when the orthodontic treatment is completed well, the customer has beautiful, even teeth with a standard bite, the band will be removed along with the archwire and braces. Therefore, patients should pay attention to taking care of their teeth according to the doctor’s instructions to shorten the time of braces.
7. Braces band attachment process at BIK International Dental Clinic
Braces band placement process
The braces band attachment process at BIK International Dental Clinic includes the following basic steps:
7.1. Examination and consultation
First, the doctor will examine the general oral health of the customer to completely treat diseases such as tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, etc., if any. After that, the customer will have a dental X-ray so that the doctor can specifically determine the condition of the teeth that need braces and advise on a specific treatment regimen.
7.2. Oral hygiene
Before attaching the braces band, the doctor will clean the oral cavity through steps such as scaling and cleaning the oral cavity to ensure complete removal of bacteria, not causing infection during the band attachment process.
7.3. Placing tooth separators (if necessary)
In cases where the space between the teeth is not enough, the doctor needs to place a new tooth separators before being able to attach the braces band. This usually takes place within 7 – 10 days and has the effect of stretching the distance between the teeth, making it easier to attach the braces band and causing no pain or discomfort to the patient.
7.4. Attaching braces
Once the band has been selected with the right size for the dental arch, the doctor will place the band in the position of tooth number 6 or number 7 as previously indicated.
7.5. Attaching other appliances to the teeth
After attaching the band, the doctor will complete the system of remaining orthodontic appliances such as archwires and brackets inside the oral cavity.
8. Does it hurt to attach braces band?
Does it hurt to attach braces?
Whether it hurts to attach braces depends on the condition of the teeth and the extent to which the teeth need braces. If the gap between the teeth is large and the teeth are already spaced, then attaching the braces is quite easy and does not cause discomfort because the space is enough to attach the band tightly to the molars.
In the case where the teeth grow properly and the gap between the teeth is small and tight, the doctor who wants to place the band needs to go through an intermediate step of placing a rubber band to separate the teeth.
The rubber separator consists of a round rubber piece or metal bar attached to the space between teeth number 5, 6 or 7. The rubber separator is made from pure rubber so it is not harmful to oral health. When inserted into the space between the teeth, the teeth will be separated by natural elasticity. When the desired result is achieved, the teeth will fall out by themselves.
The metal separator is made of metal, L-shaped with several layers of springs inside. The time to place the separator can last 1 – 2 weeks or longer depending on each person’s constitution. This makes it easier to attach the braces band later.
So the braces band is a necessary tool to support the orthodontic process to take place more smoothly and quickly. To know whether you need to attach a braces band or not, customers should go to a reputable dental clinic to be examined and specifically consulted by a specialist because not all cases need to attach a band.
