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Types of Orthodontic Treatment

Traditional/Metal Braces

Traditional/metal braces are made of individual brackets which are cemented to each tooth with an archwire attached to apply a continuous gentle pressure to the teeth.

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Clear/Ceramic Braces

Ceramic or “clear braces” work very similarly to traditional braces but are tooth coloured so that they blend in with your teeth and are much less noticeable.

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Clear Aligners

Invisalign® braces straighten teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners which are custom-made for your mouth. They are popular with adults as the aligners are removable and are barely visible.

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Spark Aligners

Spark Aligners are clear, virtually invisible aligners that gradually straighten your teeth overtime. Spark Aligners are ideal if you’re seeking orthodontic treatment, but don’t want to go down the traditional braces route.

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Main reasons for having orthodontic treatment:

Appearance:

Many people seek orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance of their smile by straightening teeth and correcting any spacing. This also often improves the appearance of a patient’s face. By correcting any dental issues, a person’s facial features are also aligned with a view to making the face as symmetrical as possible.

Health:

Once a straighter smile is achieved, it becomes easier for you to take care of your oral health. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, brush and floss, which means it is less likely that you will suffer from tooth decay or gum disease down the line.

Function:

Correcting issues such as crooked teeth or spacing can improve the function of our teeth. This allows for better chewing which improves your digestion as food is properly chewed, where it may have not been before. If you have large spaces between your teeth, correcting this can also improve speech.

Frequently Asked Orthodontic Questions

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the correction of misaligned teeth. The aims of this treatment are to reposition the teeth so that appearance is improved and a good functional occlusion is obtained.

Orthodontic treatment typically begins between ages 8 and 14 but adults can also have braces. A full assessment of your case will be carried out by your orthodontist who will plan a course of treatment specifically tailored to your needs. A typical consultation involves examination photos, impressions for study models and creation of a treatment plan.

This depends on the method used. While we will do the utmost to ensure you are comfortable throughout your treatment, some discomfort may arise for 3-5 days following the adjustment of a fixed or functional appliance. Some patients find that a brace rubs the inside of the cheeks or lips, and in this case wax will be provided.

Treatment typically lasts 12-24 months depending on the severity and nature of your case. Following treatment, you will be advised to use a fixed or removable retainer to keep your teeth in their new position.

It is critical throughout your treatment that you maintain a high level of oral health. You can do this by:

  • Regularly brushing (twice daily for three minutes)
  • Using fluoride mouthwash daily
  • Using interdental brushes daily
  • Maintaining a healthy low-sugar diet
  • Visiting your dentist regularly
  • Visiting your hygienist regularly

This depends on what type of braces or aligner your Orthodontist has recommended. When it comes to traditional braces, there are certain foods that should be avoided during treatment, such as:

  • Sticky sweets, chewing gum, chocolate bars.
  • Fizzy drinks, including diet drinks and excessive fruit juice.
  • Foods containing turmeric which can stain braces and elastics yellow.

You also need to be very careful with hard foods such as apples, crusty rolls, nuts etc. If you are eating hard foods, you need to break them down into smaller pieces rather than biting into them as this can knock the brackets off your teeth.
If you are using Invisalign, you have more freedom when it comes to food and drink as you can remove your aligner. However, it is advised that you brush your teeth after eating or drinking before reinserting your aligner.

Find a practice near you

Dental Care Ireland offers orthodontic services in the following practices: