Braces are becoming quite popular among different classes in society. Celebrities now have them on. More young Men and women are trying to fix them. Are they really important to have them or are they for Aesthetics?

What Are Teeth Braces?

Dental braces are orthodontic devices used to straighten and align teeth, as well as to correct bite issues. They consist of metal brackets that are bonded to the teeth and connected by wires and small rubber bands. The braces apply continuous pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position over time.

Who Needs Teeth Braces?

Teeth braces are commonly recommended for individuals who have orthodontic issues that affect the alignment of their teeth and the overall structure of their mouth. Some of the common reasons why someone might need braces include:

Crooked or Crowded Teeth: When there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to fit properly, they may become crowded or crooked.
Malocclusion: This refers to a misalignment of the upper and lower jaws, resulting in bite problems. Malocclusions can include overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
Spacing Issues: Gaps between teeth can occur due to missing teeth or other issues, and braces can help close these gaps.
Protruding Teeth: Some individuals may have front teeth that protrude excessively, affecting both appearance and function.
Jaw Misalignment: Disorders such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues or asymmetry in the jaw may require orthodontic intervention.
Cosmetic Concerns: While braces are often recommended for functional reasons, some individuals may choose orthodontic treatment for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of their smile.

How Teeth Braces Are Installed?

Teeth braces are fixed on a patient through a multi-step process. Following an initial consultation with an orthodontist, the teeth are prepared by cleaning and sometimes applying a conditioning solution. Small brackets, made of metal or ceramic, are then attached to each tooth using dental adhesive. An archwire is threaded through the brackets, applying pressure to gradually align the teeth.

How Teeth Braces Work?

Teeth braces work by applying continuous pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. The basic components of traditional braces include brackets, archwires, and ligatures, and they function as follows:

Brackets: Small metal or ceramic brackets are attached to the surface of each tooth using dental adhesive. In some cases, lingual braces have brackets attached to the back side of the teeth.
Archwire: An archwire is threaded through the brackets and secured with small rubber bands or ligatures. The archwire is the key component that exerts pressure on the teeth.
Continuous Pressure: The tension in the archwire creates a force that applies pressure to the teeth. This pressure is transmitted to the surrounding bone, causing the bone to reshape and allowing the teeth to move gradually in the desired direction.
Periodic Adjustments: Regular follow-up appointments with the orthodontist are scheduled to make adjustments to the braces. During these appointments, the orthodontist may tighten the archwire, change ligatures, or make other modifications to maintain the correct amount of pressure and continue guiding the teeth into the desired alignment.

Does Teeth Braces Hurt?

The process of fixing teeth braces itself is typically not painful. However, some discomfort or mild soreness may be experienced by the patient during and after the procedure.

When Are Teeth Braces Removed?

The duration of time that teeth braces need to be fixed varies widely and depends on several factors, including the complexity of the orthodontic issues, the type of braces used, and how well the patient follows the orthodontist’s instructions. On average, orthodontic treatment with braces takes between 1 – 3 years.

Are Teeth Braces Expensive?

Braces are quite expensive to fix. Though prices may vary across different Dental Clinics. At Blanche Dental Clinic the price ranges from N950,000 (Naira) to N1.5 million (Naira). Here are the prices of other Braces related services:

Basic Steel Braces	N950k – N1.1M
Self-Ligating Steel Braces	N1.1M – N1.3M
Self-Ligating Clear Braces	N1.2M – N1.4M
Ceramic Braces	N1M – N1.2M
Damon Braces	N1.2M – N1.4M
Bracket Replacement	N10,000 – N20,000
Braces Debonding	N200,000

Where Can I Get My Teeth Braces Fixed?

You can get your Teeth Braces fixed at any of Blanche Dental Clinics located in Lagos and Abuja.

2b Adebisi Popoola Crescent, off Victoria Arobieke Street, Eti-Osa, Lekki 105102, Lagos.
Suite K182, Road 5, Ikota Shopping Complex, V.G.C, Eti-Osa, Lekki 105102, Lagos.
7 Joseph Street, Opebi, Ikeja 100281, Lagos.
84 Kwame Nkrumah Crescent, Asokoro, Abuja.