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It is not uncommon to see cases of people who need to use the famous orthodontic appliance , either for health reasons or even for aesthetic reasons. But how do you know exactly in which cases it should be used or not? Is there a downside to using such a device? How long should a person use? Is it possible that the process is painless? Because of all these questions that are quite common around the subject, we have gathered in today’s text all the information you need to know more about the orthodontic appliance. So, if the subject is of interest to you, read it now!
What is the Orthodontic Appliance?
First of all, it is important to clarify what we are talking about. The orthodontic appliance, also known as a dental appliance, dental appliance or tooth appliance, is a type of appliance used by dentists to correct various problems that are related to the formation of teeth . Such problems can be related to the person’s health, such as when he has difficulties to chew, for example, or even with aesthetic issues, when a person wants to have a more aligned smile.
There are several types of orthodontic appliances, but the one that is most used by dentists and the most common to see in our daily lives is made up of a few pieces:
- The orthodontic wire, which connects all teeth to correct malformations
- The brackets, which are small pieces that act to move and reposition the teeth, when necessary
- The bands, which serve to keep the teeth in a certain position, mainly the molars; the famous erasers, known for being able to have different colors and
- Rubber bands, which are used only in some specific cases.
No matter what the reason is, the truth is that this type of device is usually a very efficient weapon to correct certain problems and make, in a practical way, that malformations be solved relatively easily.
The Emergence of the Orthodontic Appliance
More than 200 years ago, in the year 1819, the French doctor Gaston Delabarre invented the first metallic thread that connected the teeth, much based on studies by previous doctors who already talked about the malformation of teeth. However, the popularization of the dental appliance as we know it today took time to occur. It was only in the middle of the last century that dentists developed the device that had barquets, the steel wire and also the bands that connect the other pieces.
Until the mid-70s, the use of the device was still seen as very complicated, both for practical and social reasons , since the object had extensions out of the mouth, which inhibited many people from using it. After the advent of the appliance as it is known today, studies in this regard have advanced considerably, with several other types of orthodontic appliances having more specific functions, in addition to being increasingly discreet.
Who needs to use the Orthodontic Appliance?
As we have already mentioned, the use of the orthodontic appliance can occur for several reasons, from problems that directly affect a person’s chewing and breathing to purely aesthetic issues. Some of the main problems that cause a person to have to use a dental appliance are:
- Crossbite
- Misaligned jaw
- Open bite
- Separated teeth
Of course, the orthodontic appliance can be used in several other cases, but these certainly correspond to the vast majority of them.
How long should the orthodontic appliance be used for?
This is a question that does not have an objective answer, since each case requires a different type of treatment, in addition to the use of different devices and even parts, depending on the treatment .
However, it is possible to have an average usage. A problem considered “common”, such as the cross bite, for example, can take between 18 and 20 months to be aligned. Of course, depending on the case, this time may be longer or shorter. However, the most common is that the orthodontic appliance is not used for less than 8 months or for more than 30 months.
Does using an orthodontic appliance hurt?
It is important to keep in mind that when placing an orthodontic appliance, it will act on your teeth to realign them and relocate them. This, inevitably, can cause some discomfort and even pain in some cases. However, the most common is that these pains occur only in the first days, when the patient’s mouth is not yet used to the tension that the device imposes.
This pain tends to subside over time. So, if this is a fear that you have, don’t worry. A person using an orthodontic appliance can lead a totally peaceful and pain-free life. It is worth mentioning that when the first devices as we know them were created, in the mid-1950s, the pain used to be more intense.
Cautions when using an Orthodontic Appliance
Although you can lead a peaceful and pain-free life, the use of the orthodontic appliance requires some special care so that you do not have other problems. Such precautions are:
- Avoid eating very hard foods and, consequently, breaking any part of the appliance
- Remember to also brush the appliance when brushing your teeth
- Rinse before and after brushing to keep the appliance clean
- Visit your dentist regularly so that maintenance can be done correctly
- Avoid blows in the mouth area, as the device can cause you to hurt yourself even more
- Avoid putting objects in your mouth such as pens, for example, that may end up breaking a part
- Avoid eating sticky foods like gum and candy
All of these are simple attitudes, but they make all the difference so that your device does not suffer any type of damage and that your treatment is really a success.
Using orthodontic braces is something extremely common nowadays, but, as we demonstrate here, it has not always been very well accepted by everyone. The truth is that, with advances in technology and dental studies, the use of this type of device has become something much more comfortable, easy to maintain and also cheaper, which is very important for more people to have access to it . Taking care of your teeth is also taking care of yourself. Therefore, if a dentist recommends using the appliance, it is important to take this recommendation seriously to avoid major problems in the future.
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
