How Dental Braces Are Attached and Fixed to Your Teeth

A bright, straight smile is highly valued by many people, as it significantly enhances one's appearance and overall image. However, due to genetic factors or acquired conditions, many individuals find themselves with misaligned teeth. To address this concern, they turn to orthodontic treatment with braces.

Braces work by having small fixtures attached to the teeth, with tension adjusted according to each patient's specific dental condition. The installation process requires precision and professional expertise to ensure effective tooth alignment.

The Installation Process

Before beginning the procedure, the dentist takes precautionary measures by having the patient bite down on soft foam blocks. This prevents accidental injury during the subsequent steps of the installation process.

The dentist then uses a small rotating brush, similar to an electric toothbrush, along with polishing paste to thoroughly clean the tooth surfaces. This cleaning is essential for creating the proper foundation for brace attachment.

Bracket Placement

The next phase involves attaching the brackets to the teeth. The dentist first applies a mild acidic solution to the tooth surface, which enhances the bonding strength with the adhesive material. Following this preparation, a layer of resin adhesive is applied to the back of each bracket, which is then positioned on the tooth. Any excess adhesive is carefully removed to ensure the bracket adheres securely.

A light-curing device is then used to rapidly harden the adhesive, firmly securing the bracket to the tooth. This procedure is repeated across all teeth requiring brackets until the installation is complete.

Archwire Installation

Once all brackets are in place, the dentist threads an archwire through each of the fixed brackets. The archwire is locked into position using either locking mechanisms or ligature wires, completing the functional braces system.

Materials and Attachment Methods

Different types of braces utilize varying adhesive materials depending on their composition. Whether made from metal, ceramic, or plastic, each material requires specific bonding agents optimized for that particular bracket type. The customized nature of braces means they are designed specifically for each patient's dental structure and correction objectives.

Important Considerations

After braces are installed, patients must avoid chewing extremely hard foods, which could damage or dislodge the brackets. Similarly, very sticky foods should be avoided, as excessive adhesion could cause the braces to detach unexpectedly.

The Orthodontic Journey

Orthodontists begin with a comprehensive oral examination and diagnosis to identify which teeth need correction and establish treatment goals. Based on these findings, they develop a detailed treatment plan specifying the number, shape, and size of brackets needed.

Following installation, the orthodontist applies appropriate force to gradually move teeth into their correct positions. This process requires regular adjustments and force modifications until the teeth are properly aligned and any deformities are corrected.

Conclusion

Attaching braces to teeth is a crucial step in the orthodontic correction process. Through careful customization, secure installation, and controlled application of corrective forces, braces help patients achieve straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smiles. Success requires not only the dentist's professional skills but also the patient's cooperation and patience throughout the treatment journey.