Dental Braces : Teeth Alignment (Orthodontics)
Braces can correct a wide range of dental issues, including crooked, gapped, rotated or crowded teeth.
Why Do Teeth
Become Crooked?
Both heredity and environmental factors can create crooked teeth and bite problems. Hereditary factors include crowded teeth, teeth where there is too much space and malocclusions. Crooked teeth can also be caused by thumb sucking and tongue thrusting as well as accidents occurring to the jaw.
What are treatment options to align teeth?
There are three stages of dental braces (orthodontic) treatment.
1. The first is when appliances are used to gain space in the mouth. For example, palatal expanders are used to expand the width of the palate and lingual bars are used to expand the lower jaw.
2. The active corrective stage is next when the braces are placed on the teeth. The teeth are then adjusted and then straightened and malocclusions are corrected over a period of time based upon the severity of the irregularity of the teeth and jaw issues.
3. The third stage is the retention stage after braces are removed and when the teeth are monitored through the use of a retainer (removable or fixed) and semi-annual orthodontic visits are conducted to maintain the straightened smile.
Types of Braces
There are several different types of braces. The type that’s best for you depends on a few factors, including the kind of issue you have, the severity of your condition and your personal preferences.
Metal Braces
When you think of braces, traditional metal braces might be what you imagine. Metal braces use stainless steel bands, brackets and wires to gently shift your teeth over time.
A dentist or orthodontist will bond (glue) a bracket on each tooth, then place a thin, flexible archwire over the brackets. Tiny elastic bands called ligatures keep the wire firmly in place.
Metal braces are visible when you smile. You can choose clear or tooth-colored ligatures to make your braces less noticeable. Or, if you’re feeling festive, you can choose brightly colored ligatures.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces — sometimes called clear braces — work the same way as metal braces. The key difference is that the brackets, wires and ligatures are tooth-colored, so they blend in with your smile. Ceramic braces are still visible, but they’re less noticeable. One drawback to ceramic braces is that they’re more fragile than metal braces, so they’re more likely to break.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces. But they go on the back surfaces of your teeth instead of the front. Most people who choose lingual braces do so because they don’t want other people to be able to tell they have braces.
Lingual Braces (Teeth Alignment) pricing include;
– Lingual at Ksh 300,000 complete Procedure.
Invisalign Braces
Invisalign braces consist of a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth. These aligners gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions, providing an effective solution for various orthodontic issues, including overcrowding, gaps, and misalignment. As the aligners are made from transparent material, they are virtually invisible when worn, allowing you to straighten your teeth discreetly.
Pricing for Braces "Metal /Ceramic"
Braces (Teeth Alignment) pricing include;
– Metal/ Ceramic Braces at range of Ksh 150,000 to Ksh 250,000 complete Procedure. An assessment is required to determine final pricing.
The Payment can be paid in installation which is agreed upon during assessment period.
The installment duration will be in a period of 6 month to 12 months. while continuing with the other procedures which include;
The process of placing a dental braces involves multiple steps:
– Regular Adjustments received after every 6-8 weeks
– Debonding Stage where the braces are removed and teeth are polished
– Final Stage “Retainer Stage” where you are provided with retainers.
Pricing for Invisalign
Invisalign (Teeth Alignment) pricing include;
– Invisalign at range of Ksh 300,000 to Ksh 600,000 complete Procedure. An assessment is required to determine final pricing.
- Invisalign treatment involves wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that are changed periodically.
- Each aligner is designed to subtly move your teeth into the next stage of the straightening process.
- The aligners are typically made from a flexible thermoplastic material called SmartTrack.
Caring for Braces
Your orthodontist, dentist or dental hygienist will provide you with thorough instruction of how to properly clean your braces. There are many toothbrushes you can use, both manual (specifically designed for orthodontic patients), power, electric or sonic. Ask your dental professional which is be best for you. Brushing should be conducted at least 2-3 times per day at a 45 degree angle in a back and forth motion. Be sure to remove plaque at the gum line to prevent gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue). Be sure to angle the toothbrush at the gum line and then gently brush around the brackets to remove plaque and food debris.
It is very important to clean in between your teeth with a floss threader and floss, a tooth pick cleaner or an interproximal cleaning brush may be used if there is space between the teeth. Oral irrigators may be recommended to remove food debris and irrigate the gum tissue to remove disease and odor-causing bacteria that may be there if you have gingivitis. Antimicrobial mouth rinses could also be used with the oral irrigator or alone.
Source:
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/bridges-and-crowns/what-are-dental-crowns-and-tooth-bridges
How to maintain the smile after braces are off
After your orthodontist has determined that your braces can be removed, it is very important that a retainer (a plastic appliance) be worn during the day or night as recommended by them. The retainer can be cleaned with warm water or toothpaste and a toothbrush after you wear it and placed in a plastic container when not in use.
See your dental professional for a twice a year professional cleaning and the orthodontist for regular maintenance appointments.
Sources:
https://www.colgate.com/en-sa/oral-health/conditions/dry-mouth/bringing-teeth-into-alignment-with-orthodontic-treatment
