Installation of Braces

Braces are installed by an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in diagnosing and correcting the bite and position of teeth. He or she develops an individual treatment plan, selects the design, and monitors the process of aligning the teeth.

First, the doctor conducts an examination and diagnosis, then cleans the teeth, fixes the brackets on them with a special glue and connects them with an archwire. The entire procedure is painless and lasts about 1–2 hours. After installation, the patient receives instructions on care.

The choice depends on the clinical situation, aesthetic wishes and budget. Metal ones are the most effective for complex cases, ceramic and sapphire ones are less noticeable. Self-ligating systems are more comfortable, and lingual ones are completely invisible, because they are attached to the inside of the teeth.

Installing braces on one jaw takes an average of 1 hour, and on both – up to 2 hours. The procedure is performed in one visit, is completely painless and does not require anesthesia. The duration may vary slightly depending on the system.

Yes, dental treatment is possible and even recommended. If necessary, fillings, root canals, or professional hygiene can be performed. An orthodontist can temporarily remove part of the structure to access the problem area.

Yes, in some cases, the orthodontist may install braces on only one jaw. This is possible if the bite disorder does not require intervention on the opposite jaw. The final decision is made by the doctor after a complete examination.

After braces are installed, discomfort or moderate pain usually occurs during the first 1–3 days. This is a normal reaction to the fact that the brace system begins to work on the teeth and creates controlled pressure. Most often, the unpleasant sensations decrease after 5–7 days, as the tissues adapt. The intensity of pain is individual and depends on the sensitivity of the teeth and the complexity of the treatment.

The duration of wearing braces depends on the initial condition of the teeth and bite. On average, treatment lasts from 1 to 2 years. During this time, the teeth gradually move into the correct position, and the jaw adapts to the new closing conditions. The exact terms are determined by the orthodontist after diagnosis and can be adjusted during the treatment process.

If you do not follow your doctor’s recommendations after removing your braces, your teeth may partially shift. That is why after the active phase of treatment, it is imperative to use retainers. They fix the result and allow the teeth to stabilize in their new position until the bone tissue is completely rebuilt.

In most cases, braces can be installed on teeth with crowns. For this, special fixation methods are used that do not damage the orthopedic structures. It is important that the crowns are securely fixed and match the shape of the tooth. The orthodontist makes the final decision after the examination.

With braces, you should avoid very hard, sticky, and viscous foods. Nuts, crackers, caramel, or toffee can damage the brackets or archwire. Also, don’t bite off large pieces of hard food — it’s better to cut fruits and vegetables. This helps to avoid breakage and unnecessary adjustments.

Orthodontic elastics are used to correct the bite and coordinate the work of the upper and lower jaws. They create an additional direction of force that helps to properly close the teeth. In many cases, it is the elastics that play a key role in the final stages of treatment.

Retainers usually need to be changed daily or several times a day, depending on your orthodontist's recommendations. Over time, they lose elasticity and become less effective. Regular replacement directly affects the speed of treatment and the stability of the final result.