What are mini braces?
Mini dental braces are thirty percent smaller than traditional dental braces and are appropriate for kids and adults alike. Mini braces help align the teeth and correct malocclusions or bite problems with the teeth. The main difference from traditional dental braces in that they are more aesthetically pleasing because the brackets are smaller and they don’t make you feel like you have a mouthful of metal. The appearance is discreet and yet they have the strength of regular braces.
Mini braces are made of stainless steel brackets that are attached to your teeth with metal arch wires attached to each bracket. The brackets go on the outside of the teeth but, because they are smaller than traditional dental braces, mini braces are much less noticeable.
What mini braces consist of?
The technology of mini braces is essentially the same as the traditional braces. They involve the metal brackets as mentioned above and an archwire, which, when attached to the brackets tend to move the teeth because of the way the archwire is shaped. The archwire is made of stainless steel as well, although they can contain some nickel and titanium for added strength. Mini braces have stronger arch wires than do traditional dental braces so they don’t bend or get out of place. They provide more comfortable experience compared to traditional dental braces, because the bracket size is much smaller. Mini dental braces are also less noticeable than regular brackets.
How mini dental braces work?
Mini braces apply continual pressure over an extended period of time onto the teeth so the teeth gradually move so they are straight with a normal bite. The brackets are bonded to the tooth with a special bonding agent. The brackets hold the archwire in place. The bands on the braces are wires cemented to each tooth that are wrapped around the brackets. They provide an anchor for the brackets. Not everyone has bands along with the brackets. Spacers are fit between the teeth to make room for the bands. Arch wires guide the movement of the teeth in the mouth. Rubber bands act as ties to hold the tooth bracket to the arch wire. You may need to have springs placed on the arch wires in order to open, close, push or pull the spaces between the teeth together. Sometimes headgear is used to help the malocclusion resolve itself.
Are mini braces right for me?
Having a consultation with an orthodontist who can recommend whether mini braces are right for you is always a good decision. Molds are made of your teeth and the dentist thoroughly examines your bite problems. The braces are made to fit you and are placed on your teeth. The archwire is affixed with elastic bands that hold the archwire in place. You usually need to wear these mini braces for around two years or more, especially if you are an adult. After you have the braces removed, wearing a retainer is usually needed so that the teeth get settled in their new positions. This can last another several years, depending on a case by case basis.
Can any dentist work with mini braces?
After you have mini braces removed and your teeth are straighter, not only do they look better but you can brush your teeth better, which means you have fewer cavities and less chances of periodontal diseases. Not every orthodontist does orthodontic treatments with mini braces, so be sure to check ahead of time to see if your prospective doctor uses mini braces or not.
How much mini braces cost?
Mini braces cost typically a couple thousand dollars more than traditional dental braces but they are worth it if you want to look good and feel better with mini braces.