Many people worldwide suffer from crooked or misaligned teeth and get them corrected with the help of various treatment options available. Getting braces is one such procedure that helps straighten teeth and treat some other jaw problems. Some people also get braces to improve their smile.

In this article, we have discussed the meaning and working of braces, their types, and other details that one needs to know before getting one.

Dental Braces are tools dentists and orthodontics use for various reasons, malocclusion being the most common reason. Malocclusion refers to that condition when an individual's jaws are not appropriately aligned, sometimes protruding one over the other.

The use of braces to treat malocclusion and crooked teeth promotes oral health. Properly aligned teeth are much easier to clean, reducing the chances of tooth decay to a great extent.

The underlying principle behind the working of braces is putting pressure on teeth over a long period to move them in a specific direction. The teeth also undergo some changes in their shape.

The different types of dental braces available in the market are:

1. Ceramic Braces

In this, the metal brackets are replaced with tooth-coloured ceramic to avoid unnecessary attention.

2. Traditional Braces

These are made of metal and have several small parts that come together to put pressure on teeth.

3. Clear Aligners

Otherwise known as invisible braces, Clear Aligners are made of plastic that puts pressure on your teeth to move them in the correct positions.

4. Lingual Braces

The lingual braces have brackets attached at the back of teeth facing the tongue.

Generally, braces are made up of the following parts (some might differ across the various types):

• Orthodontic Bands: These stainless steel materials wrap around teeth and work as anchors for brackets.
• Brackets: With the help of bonding agents, the dentists fix these small square brackets, on the front of each tooth.
• Spacers: Spacers are made to fit in between the teeth to make gaps for the orthodontic bands.
• Arch Wires: Arch Wires are tracks responsible for the movement of your teeth. These are attached to the brackets.
• Elastics: By attaching to the bracket hooks, these elastics use pressure to get a perfect fit.
• Ligatures: These are mini-sized rubber bands that hold the arch wires in their respective places.
• Buccal Tube: Buccal Tube is found on the last tooth's band that ensures the archwires are in their places.

It is difficult to cite one number for the cost of dental braces. It can be anywhere from ₹50,000 to above ₹1 Lakh, based. The cost of dental braces varies depending on the following factors:

• Amount of work done
• Type of braces used
• Residential area

However, you don’t have to pay the whole amount in one go, and the orthodontists break it into several follow-up sessions for you to pay them. Also, they don't charge any interest.

Some of the things to keep in mind before going for braces are listed below:

• Cost: Some braces might be expensive and not come under medical insurance. Therefore, it is essential to analyse the cost and ensure it fits your budget.
• Oral Hygiene: You need to understand that getting braces will add to your list of chores. Frequent brushing and flossing are recommended to keep your braces clean and prevent tooth decay.
• Diet: The diet plan must change if you opt for braces. Avoid every food that is sticky or too hard. These kinds of foods may damage your braces and contribute to tooth decay.
• Eating and Speaking Habits: Adding a foreign body to your mouth will feel uncomfortable. Hence, eating and speaking habits need to be adjusted. However, these changes are temporary and will go away with the removal of braces.
• Aesthetics: Some people think that braces can only be availed by teenagers and may impair the aesthetics of the face. However, anyone suffering from orthodontic problems can opt for braces. Nowadays, invisible braces are available as well.

Most patients wear braces for a year or two, during which special oral hygiene care has to be taken. Maintaining a healthy diet and brushing your teeth regularly helps clean your braces. Apart from this, patients should follow up with dentists on time to ensure the proper functioning of the braces.