Questions

Life with braces – You may find answers to frequently asked questions. If you find a problem that has not yet been discussed, please write to us!

 

How do I have to wash my teeth if I have braces?

If someone wears fixed braces, special attention is to be paid to oral hygiene, since plaque deposits in an increased extent around the device than on the smooth surface. It is recommended to wash your teeth after every meal by suitable special brushes. The so called interdental brushes can be of great assistance – small brushes consisting one thin row of bristle – by which you have access to spaces that are usually inaccessible for normal brushes. There are also special dental flosses which - led through under the arch – are able to perfectly clean interdental spaces. See: oral hygiene.

 

May I go to MRI examination with my braces?

Unfortunately only with the non-metalic version, since metal components might disturb the operation of the equipment. Even if someone wears porcelain, sapphire crystal or plastic device, it is advised to go to his family doctor to remove the arch for the examination. Though for the latest version of MR equipments braces mean problem only so far that they might disturb imaging. Its worth to ask.

 

May braces disturb kissing?

In my opinion, not. I have a patient who directly finds it exciting, even in some cases it may be an advantage, since braces may be considered as expression of neatness.

I throw back the question: unsettled, neglected denture or braces?

 

Do transparent braces also push out our mouth?

Nowadays we are using very small and flat braces which do not keep away lips at all. These locks (brackets) align to the tooth surface and the patient feels only 2-3 days after the insertion as if his/her mouth were full. (Sorry for the expression)

 

After fixed braces do we always need another at night?

This is a very good question. Namely, the treatment is not finished by the removal of the fixed braces, since teeth would like to get back to their original places, where they felt all right for long years (i.e. into the position before the treatment). This is to be prevented by the so called retainers. Often these are not „night”, i.e. removable devices, but fixed rails, sticked on the inner surface of teeth. It is alwaysd the dentist who decides which one is to be applied.

 

How much does an inner braces cost and what disadvantages does it have?

There are many sorts of inner braces. The current types are no more uncomfortable and don’t disturb us is speech. Maybe, one of the disadvantages is the difficult cleaning, though if somebody is demanding, there is no more time needed to wash the teeth than in case of outer orhodontics devices. Prices are higher in comparison with the outer braces due to the high dental tecnician costs.

 

 

What is the minimum time that braces should remain inserted?

The average duration of orthodontics treatment in adulthood takes one and a half to two years, but we should not generalize, since every deviation can be treated in another way. Of course this is followed by the retention phase which is of same importance as the active treatment, though many people don’t take it seriously.

 

Do we have to wear night braces in daytime?

Night braces is not a correct expression. For children, the removable braces ought to be worn even in daytime. The more they wear it, the more effective it is. Though I’m aware of the fact that children have much to do in the afternoon (training, music, etc) and this impedes wearing the device, despite we should try to use as much time to wear it as we can.

 

What size of disorder can be treated by braces?

With the up-to-date technics every aesthetic, dental- and jaw development disorder can successfully be treated. Subject to the age problems can be remedied by the involvement of co-professions (aesthetic dentistry, implantology, oral surgery, pradontology).

 

Up to what age can still braces be worn?

Today orthodontics is not bound to age. Misbelief is the view that orthodontics treatments can be used for children only. At our consultations the fifties generation is not a rare phenomenon. Moreover, there are some special treatments which we apply definitely for adults. Let’s just think of the periodontal diseases or the reconstruction of teeth wandering due to missing teeth, or treatments preparing prothesis. But we can mention here the surgery-orthodontics processes serving the improvement of face aesthetics, too.

 

Do pacifying and thumb sucking influence the normal development of teeth?

Definitely yes. Pacifying, but even more thumb sucking is a special „orthodontics device” that is always at hand. This bad habit may cause deformation of not only the teeth but also the jaws, leading to speech disorders in many cases. If this habit still occurs at the teeth changing period, it is recommended to see an orthodontics specialist.

 

I’m just in planning a family. May I have a child while I’m under treatment?

Of course, you may! This is no obstacle. You don’t need to be afraid, the child will not wear braces because of this. But leaving joke aside, there is no need to worry, orthodontics devices have absolutely no influence on the health of a baby. Moreover, it may be the case that braces shall be inserted just during pregnancy from the consideration that you will stay more at home and wearing braces will not disturb you in your workplace. Currently we have 9 mothers at our surgery.

 

Is insertion connected with pain?

The insertion of braces is definitely painless. We are cleaning and drying teeth and cover them with a thin coat of glue. Then we insert the brackets (locks) one by one. We adjust them into the right position and after removal of the unnecessary glue we shall illuminate them. This makes the glue hard. Then comes the insertion of the arch which is also painless. Don’t worry!

 

Is it necessary to take analgesics?

In my opinion not! We never suggest it, though if someone is too sensible, taking light pills is allowed. Usually the first couple of days are uncomfortable after braces get inserted, but thanks to the material and procedures of our days teeth are not loaded to have pain. The tretament is rather uncomfortable than painful.

 

Do I have to care for meals?

Teeth can be sensible for some days after insertion of braces, in this period difficult-to-chew meals should be avoided. Later it is to be noted that we should not bite hard foods, like apple or toast, we should rather slice them up. Otherwise these may strain or crack the brackets from teeth.

 

Are there any food to avoid?

Yes, there are. We used to suggest not to consume sticky sweets, like caramels. Similarly, gums can also stick into the braces and it can even crack it from teeth. Though, if we are eating slowly and carefully, usually there are no problems. Besides, the consumption of salty peanuts, pistacchia are not seggested. Chewing gum is usually no problem.