- Types of dental appliances
- 1. Fixed appliance
- 2. Fixed aesthetic appliance
- 3. Lingual appliance
- 4. Mobile device
- 5. Palatal extensor device
- Care after placing the device
The orthodontic appliance is used to correct crooked and misaligned teeth, correct crossbite and prevent dental occlusion, which is when the upper and lower teeth touch when closing the mouth. Know the types of dental occlusion and how to treat.
The time of use of the device depends on the purpose of use and the severity of the problem, which can vary from months to years. It is important that gum or tooth problems are resolved before the appliance is placed.
After placing the appliance, it is important to perform oral hygiene correctly, using dental floss and an interdental brush, in addition to going to periodic consultations with the dentist so that the appliance can be maintained.
Types of dental appliances
Dental braces are used in order to correct crooked and misaligned teeth and thus improve the person's smile. The main types of dental appliances are:
1. Fixed appliance
The fixed braces are used to promote the alignment of the teeth, which is done by means of mechanical force that moves the teeth, putting them in place. This type of device requires greater care when it comes to oral hygiene, and dental floss and an interdental brush should be used to prevent the accumulation of food and the formation of bacterial plaques.
People who use this type of device must go to the orthodontist monthly to maintain the device.
2. Fixed aesthetic appliance
This type of device is also used to straighten the teeth. It is the same as the common fixed device, consisting of wires and brackets (popularly known as squares), however they are more discreet, since they are made with a more transparent material, such as porcelain or sapphire, having a higher price.
The aesthetic fixed device that contains the porcelain squares is resistant and has a more affordable price than the sapphire, which is even more transparent, being practically invisible near the tooth.
3. Lingual appliance
The lingual appliance has the same purpose as the fixed appliance: to promote the alignment of teeth. However, in this type of device, the brackets are placed inside the teeth, being in contact with the tongue and being considered invisible. Because of this, this type of device is suitable for people who play sports with greater contact, such as boxing and football, for example.
4. Mobile device
The mobile device is suitable for children up to 12 years old who have or not have the definitive dentition. This type of device is used to stimulate changes in the bone structure and keep the teeth in the correct position, and its use is also indicated after removing the fixed device to prevent the teeth from returning to the initial position.
5. Palatal extensor device
This type of appliance promotes an increase in the width of the palate, also known as the roof of the mouth, being effective for children who have a cross bite, which is a misalignment of the teeth characterized by the non-alignment of the upper and lower teeth when it closes. the mouth, leaving the smile crooked. In the case of adults, the correction of the cross bite is done through a surgical procedure. Learn how to identify the cross bite.
Watch the following video and learn more about orthodontic appliances:
Care after placing the device
After placing the device, mainly fixed, you need to take special care, such as:
- Improve oral hygiene habits, using in addition to dental floss an interdental brush, which facilitates cleaning between teeth or any other location in the mouth that is difficult to access and that represents a favorable place for the formation of bacterial plaques; Avoid hard foods, sticky or large, as they can damage the appliance and, in the case of sticky foods, such as gum or caramel, for example, stick to your teeth and favor the formation of plaque - Understand what it is and how to remove plaque.
In the case of mobile devices, it is important to avoid storing them wrapped in paper towels or napkins, for example, and whenever you put them back in your mouth, it is important to clean not only the mouth, but also the device with specific devices.
It is common that after placing the appliance, mainly fixed, the formation of thrush on the lips or gums occurs, which is normal, since friction occurs between the appliance and the mucosa of the mouth, leading to the formation of minor traumas. Therefore, the dentist usually recommends the use of resin or wax to protect and prevent the formation of thrush. Check out some homemade options to end the cold sore.
