Dental Braces in Nairobi
A beautiful smile is something that many people desire, and for those with crooked or misaligned teeth, dental braces offer a life-changing solution. While the process of getting braces might seem intimidating at first, it’s an important step towards achieving better dental health and an enhanced appearance. At Deans Dental Implants we bring you the perfect guide to your braces journey.
What are Dental Braces?
Dental braces are orthodontic devices designed to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. They work by applying continuous pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them into the correct position over time. Braces are commonly used to treat various dental issues such as overcrowded teeth, gaps between teeth, and bite problems like overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
Types of Dental Braces
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Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common and widely used orthodontic treatment. Metal braces consist of stainless-steel brackets that are attached to the front of your teeth using a special dental adhesive. These brackets are connected by a thin archwire, which your orthodontist periodically adjusts to apply gentle pressure, gradually guiding your teeth into proper alignment. They also have ligatures which are small elastic bands or metal ties that hold the wire in place.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are a type of orthodontic appliance used to straighten and align teeth, similar to traditional metal braces—but with one key difference. They use clear or tooth-coloured ceramic brackets instead of metal ones, making them less noticeable. They blend well with your teeth, offering good aesthetic appeal.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that, like metal and ceramic braces, use brackets and wires to move teeth—but they’re placed on the inside (tongue-facing side) of your teeth instead of the front, making them completely hidden when you smile. They are often custom-made for each patient to match the contours of the back of the teeth.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment option that straightens teeth using a series of removable, transparent plastic trays custom-made to fit your mouth. One wears the trays for about 1-2 weeks and is to be worn for about 20-22 hours a day. Each tray applies pressure that gradually moves your teeth. The most well-known brand of clear aligners is Invisalign.
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The Step-by-step Guide to Braces
At Deans Dental Implants, we are committed to guiding you through each step of the braces process below, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience as we restore your smile, through our amazing and high quality dentistry.
1. Initial Consultation
The orthodontist examines your teeth, jaw, and bite. Panoramic X-rays, photographs, and digital scans or dental impressions are taken. Our orthodontist will then make you a customized treatment plan, outlining the type of braces, estimated duration, and expected outcomes.
2. Pre-Treatment Preparation
Our dental hygienist will perform an oral hygiene check and any cavities, gum issues, or oral hygiene concerns must be resolved. If needed, some teeth may be extracted to make space for proper alignment. Spacers, which are Small rubber bands or metal rings may also be placed between molars to create room for bands.
3. Application of Braces
This step involves:
- Thorough cleaning and drying of teeth.
- Attaching brackets to each tooth, using strong dental adhesives.
- An archwire is threaded through the brackets.
- Securing the wires with ligatures or clips to held them firmly in place.
4. Regular Adjustments (Every 4–8 Weeks)
This is done to monitor the progress of the treatment. The orthodontist makes necessary changes to aid in the treatment. these may include tightening or changing the archwires and the rubber bands or ligaments.
This is a continuous and repetitive process, which happens until the teeth have been well aligned, and the orthodontist is satisfied with the results.
5. Debonding (Braces Removal)
After a successful treatment period, the orthodontist will then remove the braces. The brackets and wires are taken off, though cleaning is also done to remove the residual adhesive from the enamel. the orthodontist will also take photos and impressions to compare the results.
7. Retention Phase
Fixed or removable retainers are made to keep teeth in position. The retainers might need to worn nightly for long term, or worn permanently. You will need to schedule follow up consultations with the orthodontist. They will monitor retention and check on the progress.
Braces are orthodontic devices used to gradually move teeth into better alignment. Braces work by applying continuous, gentle pressure over time, guided by wires and brackets. They’re effective in correcting:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites (upper teeth too far forward)
- Underbites (lower teeth too far forward)
- Crossbites (teeth not aligning properly when biting)
- Jaw misalignments
There is no age limit on when you can get braces. They are available for younger children, teenagers and adults as well.
The average treatment time is 18 to 30 months, but it depends on factors like:
- Severity of the dental issue
- Type of braces used
- How well you follow the orthodontist’s instructions
- Whether you need additional appliances (e.g., expanders, elastics)
Braces themselves don’t hurt, but you may experience: Soreness or tenderness for a few days after getting them or after adjustments or irritation from brackets rubbing inside your cheeks or lips Using orthodontic wax, taking OTC pain relief (like ibuprofen), and eating soft foods can help manage discomfort. Pain usually subsides within a week.
Good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent cavities, gum issues, and permanent stains.
- Brush your teeth after every meal, using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss using floss threaders or a water flosser to get between teeth and around brackets
- Use interdental brushes, which help clean between brackets and under wires
- Use mouthwash such as Fluoride rinses which protect enamel and reduce inflammation