Orthodontic treatment

The braces system is a fixed orthodontic appliance designed to correct full or partial misalignment of teeth and bite. 

The braces system comprises metal bands, tubes, braces, and wires attached to the braces with metal ligatures, elastic bands, or special locks (self-ligating braces). Additional elements such as springs, elastics, hooks, and other accessories help align the teeth correctly. 

Orthodontists may also prescribe elastics, which the patient must remove and replace themselves. Adherence to this regimen is crucial for successful treatment. Failure to wear elastics as directed can lead to complications, extended treatment time, and suboptimal results.

Care for the Device and Oral Hygiene:

1. Cleaning: Teeth, braces, and other fixed appliances must be cleaned at least three times a day—morning, after lunch, and evening—using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Depending on the type of food consumed, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. It is recommended to rinse the mouth after each meal or snack.
   
   White plaque tends to accumulate around braces, bands, wires, gums, the expander, and the palate. All surfaces of the teeth and fixed orthodontic appliances must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid food and plaque residues. Additional cleaning tools, such as single-tooth brushes, interdental brushes, floss, and mouth rinses, should be used to target plaque-prone areas. It is advisable to avoid sugary foods and beverages.
   
   After consuming sugary drinks (juice, sweet tea, coffee), the mouth should be rinsed thoroughly with water. Untreated plaque on the enamel surface can lead to demineralisation. Initially, this appears as white, chalky changes on the enamel, eventually leading to cavities.
   
   Poor oral hygiene and care of the braces system can cause gum inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. Plaque left under the gums and on tooth surfaces accelerates enamel demineralisation and cavity formation. Improper cleaning may also compromise the retention of the braces system. To prevent enamel damage, if a patient consistently ignores the dentist's advice on cleaning, the fixed appliances may be removed, and orthodontic treatment discontinued. Regular professional oral hygiene should be performed every 4-6 months.
   
   
2. Adjusting to Braces: After fixed appliances are placed, teeth may feel sore, and it may be difficult and painful to bite and chew, so soft foods are recommended. This discomfort typically subsides within a few days. To ease adaptation, frequently rinse the mouth with warm, unsweetened chamomile tea or mildly salted warm water.
   
   Warmth accelerates the adjustment processes in the alveolar bone, reducing the feeling of tension between the teeth. For intense pain, pressure on teeth, gum irritation, or other complaints, contact the orthodontist immediately.
   
   The response to orthodontic force varies among individuals, so strong tooth pain after initial placement or activation may be managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen).
   
   
3. Managing Irritation: If parts of the braces system or other fixed appliances irritate the cheeks or lip mucosa, cover the area with orthodontic wax. As the teeth adjust, the irritation will subside, and the mucosa will heal. If there are any protruding sharp parts (metal ligature, wire) that cannot be adjusted by the patient, consult the orthodontist.
   
   
4. Loose Components: If any part of the fixed orthodontic appliance (e.g., band, braces) becomes loose, contact the orthodontist and bring the loose component to the appointment.
   
   
5. Food Restrictions: Avoid chewing hard foods with fixed orthodontic appliances: hard candies, nuts, carrots, apples, pears, stale or toasted bread, etc. Cut or soften hard foods before eating. Chewing gum is not recommended. Avoid consuming very hot and very cold foods simultaneously (e.g., hot tea or coffee with ice cream) to prevent enamel cracks and detachment of braces or other components.
   
   
6. Jaw Movement: When wearing fixed appliances for bite correction (e.g., Herbst, Forsus appliance), avoid moving the lower jaw sideways or opening the mouth widely, especially when yawning.