Everything That You Need to Know About Fixed Appliances

Fixed orthodontic appliances are dental devices used for various dental problem. These are designed to resolve dental issues such as crowding spacing crossbites overbites underbites and more severe malocclusions and skeletal conditions and they also addresses habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. 

These appliances are widely used to adolescent and adult to fix an inclusive range of orthodontic problems. They have become an essential tool in modern dentistry to correct dental issues and to enhance oral hygiene. They allow precise control of tooth movement in multiple dimensions. They remain in the same place throughout the treatment period making it easy for the dentist to fix the issues hassle free. Using fixed appliances ensures consistent pressure is applied to reposition teeth. Fixed Braces appliances are also used to enhance dental aesthetics.

Types of Fixed Braces Appliances

1. Fixed Braces

Braces are the one of most commonly used fixed appliance. It requires brackets archwires and ligatures to work together to function properly. Braces can be further divided into four categories which are:

a. Metal Braces

These kinds of braces are made of stainless steel which makes them durable and effective for more complicated dental issues. They are mainly used for patients with more severe dental issues.  Due to their durability, effectiveness and affordability they have become a popular choice despite of their visible appearance.

b. Ceramic Braces

These kinds of braces are a first choice of the patients who seeks for a more aesthetic option without compromising on effectiveness. They are made of tooth colored material to make them less visible.

c. Lingual Braces

People who are concerned about the appearance of braces are more likely to choose these braces. They are placed on the inner surfaces of the teeth to hide them.

d. Self-Ligating Braces

This brace is specially designed to reduce friction. Instead of traditional elastic ligatures self-ligating braces use built in clips to hold the arch wire in place . They are mostly used for shortening treatment time.

2. Palatal Expanders

Palatal expanders are designed to be to used resolve problems related to jaw. They help to widen the upper jaw. They are mostly used in growing children to correct crossbites or create space for crowded teeth. Expanders consist of a screw mechanism that is gradually activated to achieve the desired expansion.

3. Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are used to preserve the space. These fixed appliances prevent adjacent teeth from drifting into the empty space left by prematurely lost primary teeth.

4. Fixed Retainers 

A retainer consists of thin wire bonded to back of the teeth and they are not removable. They play a critical role in maintaining the results achieved with fixed appliances.

5. Habit-Breaking Braces Appliances

Habit breaking appliances are mostly used and designed to help kids who have thumb sucking or tongue thrusting issues. These appliances are fixed in the mouth and discourage the continuation

Clinical Utilizations of Fixed orthodontic appliances

Fixed orthodontic appliances are designed to resolve variety of dental issues. Let us discuss when it is applicable.

Crowding and Spacing

Braces and expanders are mainly used to manage overcrowding teeth.  They can also resolve the tooth spacing issues by creating or closing spaces.

Malocclusions

To correct Class I Class II and Class III malocclusions fixed appliances are used . They also help in to get a better control over bite functionality.

Crossbites

With the help of palatal expanders and braces both anterior and posterior crossbites can be corrected.

Open Bite and Deep Bite Conditions

To correct vertical discrepancies by extruding or intruding specific teeth, fixed orthodontic appliances are widely used.

Benefits of Fixed Braces Appliances

Precision

In comparison to removable devices fixed appliances provide greater control over tooth movement. This precision is crucial for achieving optimal results especially in complex cases.

Long lasting Treatment

Fixed appliances provide long lasting treatments. They apply a consistent pressure to the teeth that leads to closing or creating the desirable space that helps to obtain the predictable results. 

Durability

Fixed appliances are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear and affordable.

Customization

Modern fixed appliances can be customized according to patient’s needs.

After Care and Maintenance of Fixed Braces Appliances

Oral Health

If not maintained properly oral hygiene can cause more complications after getting fixed orthodontic appliances done. Patients should not skip brushing and flossing and they are advised to use orthodontic brush to clean around brackets and wires.

Dietary Restrictions

Patients should avoid foods that can damage brackets and wire or can cause buildup such as sticky hard or sugary foods.

Regular Check-Ups

Regular checkups are necessary to monitor the progress and make adjustments. 

Bad Habits

Bad habits like chewing on pen and biting nail can lead to infection and breaking of brackets. Broken Pieces of nails can get stuck to fixed appliances that can cause breakage to the wire and brackets.

Conclusion

Fixed orthodontic appliances are reliable and cost effective. 1A Orthodontics Dental Clinic provide a long-lasting treatment that makes it a cost effective procedure. They are used in fixing many orthodontic issues and enhancing the aesthetic charm of teeth. They offer a permanent solution to issues like overcrowding spacing and more severe malocclusions.