Installation of braces or stirrup is a procedure to correct the arrangement of teeth that are not neat or the position of the jaw is not normal. Once installed, braces should be used for at least 1–3 years to get the desired results.
The normal jaw position when biting is that the upper teeth are slightly in front of the lower teeth, and the upper molars are aligned with the lower molars. The position of the jaw and teeth that are not normal can interfere with the process of chewing food, damage teeth, and can even affect the shape of the face.
Abnormalities in the arrangement of teeth or jaw position can appear at the age of 7 years, when permanent teeth begin to grow. If your child has this condition, consult a dentist. Abnormalities in the arrangement of teeth or jaw position that are not classified as severe can be treated with braces.
Type Braces
There are several types of braces or stirrups, the use of which depends on the condition of the patient's teeth, namely:
- Conventional braces
Conventional braces are permanent braces that are attached to the front of the teeth. These braces can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic.
- Lingual braces
Lingual braces These are permanent braces that are attached to the back of the teeth, so they are not visible from the front.
- clear aligners
clear aligners These are clear plastic braces that cover the teeth. These types of braces are removable and should be cleaned regularly.
- Self-ligating braces
Self-ligating braces is a type of braces that uses small metal on the bracket, namely the part of the braces that serves as a support.
Indications for Bracing
The dentist will recommend the installation of braces or braces in the following conditions:
- Teeth grow abnormally, for example, teeth piled up or too loose
- The upper jaw or teeth are much more advanced than the lower jaw or teeth (bonnet)
- The lower jaw or teeth are more advanced than the upper jaw or teeth (cameh)
- Abnormalities in the position of the jaw that cause the upper front teeth and lower front teeth to not meet
Braces Installation Warning
To get the desired results, the installation of braces should be done at the age of 12-13 years. This is because at that age the mouth and jaw are still growing.
In adults, braces last longer than children. However, sometimes the results obtained in adults are not necessarily as expected.
Installation of braces can not overcome severe jaw position abnormalities. In such cases, the patient had to undergo jaw repositioning surgery.
Before Braces Installation
Before carrying out the installation of braces, the doctor will check the condition of the patient's teeth. After that, a dental X-ray will be taken to determine the patient's tooth structure.
The patient may also be asked to bite into the soft-textured dental impression for a few minutes. Through this mold pattern, the doctor can evaluate the structure of the patient's teeth and jaw.
If the patient's teeth are stacked or the jaw is too tight with the alignment of the teeth, the doctor may perform a tooth extraction procedure on one or more teeth, to make room for the other teeth.
Braces Installation Procedure
The doctor determines the type of braces that will be used by the patient based on a previous dental examination. Usually, the recommended type of braces is permanent braces (fixed braces).
The procedure for installing permanent braces consists of the following steps:
- Installation bracket on the outer or inner surface of the tooth.
- Placement of rings around the molars. Before the ring is placed, the doctor will create a space by placing a very small piece of rubber between the molars. After that, a special tube will be attached to the ring on the last molar to lock the end of the braces.
- Installation of flexible wires connecting each one bracket and locking ring to regulate gear movement.
- Mounting accessories, such as elastic straps or headgear, to keep the teeth in the right position and to aid in tooth movement.
After Braces Installation
After the braces are in place, the doctor will make periodic adjustments to the braces by tightening or bending the braces. This adjustment puts pressure on the tooth alignment and gradually shifts the teeth into their proper position.
If necessary, the dentist will apply pressure to the upper and lower jaws using an elastic band to correct the position of the jaws.
After adjustment, mild pain may be felt in the teeth and jaw. To relieve it, the doctor will prescribe a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen. However, if the pain persists or worsens, consult a doctor immediately.
After the braces are removed, the patient will undergo the final phase, which is the use of retainers. Retainer useful for preventing the arrangement of teeth back into position before the installation of braces. This tool can be used permanently or can be removed.
The Risks of Braces Pemasangan
Bracing is a safe procedure, but it does come with risks. One of them is cavities and gum disease due to food residue left between braces. Another risk is that the teeth are easy to move due to the shortening of the roots of the teeth as a result of the pressure generated by the braces.
To reduce this risk, patients are advised to:
- Brush your teeth regularly, especially after eating
- Clean the gap between the wire and the teeth using dental floss (dental floss) routinely
- Avoid consuming sticky foods that can stick to the braces, such as chewing gum, caramel, or confectionery
- Avoid hard-textured foods, such as nuts, as they can damage the wire
- Visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning of braces