During adolescence, the most frequent consultations with the orthodontist are associated with aesthetic problems (dental crowding, dental dystopia, malocclusion, rash disorders) that require wearing a brace . 
Orthodontic treatment offers the possibility of obtaining a beautiful smile that inspires self-confidence, mainly in adolescents. Adolescence is the period when everyone wants to be appreciated, to conquer the loved one or to be in front of everyone. An aesthetic disorder may include wearing an orthodontic appliance. Contemporary treatment methods take into account these aspects by proposing various orthodontic appliances, for some, made so as to camouflage their behavior, and for others even to be highlighted, this being a "must have" of the time.
Last week, she was consulted by Diana, a 17-year-old woman who has a complex of imperfection due to the incorrect appearance of her teeth. Diana asked several questions to the orthodontist from the “ Omni Dent ” Dental Clinic , Cătălina Ciuclea , about her appearance and the possibilities for improvement, about the duration of the treatment, about the ways of care and others. 
1. At what age is it recommended to wear braces?
From 6 years to 12 years, mobile braces (plates) are recommended, after this age we can opt for a fixed braces .
2. Is the procedure for fixing the brackets a painful procedure?
It is absolutely harmless. The dental appliance is assembled in a single session that lasts about an hour. Immediately after the application of the fixed dental appliance, there is a period of up to 5 days in which a slight discomfort to pain is possible. In this case, the administration of analgesics is recommended. Specific for this period is also the appearance of small lesions on the lips and cheeks due to the presence of brackets. Without care, they disappear in a few days as the patient adjusts to the new braces. An effective remedy is the use of special wax that is applied topically to the brackets that cause the injuries.
3. What are the components of a fixed dental appliance?
Of course, brackets (prefabricated elements) - the passive part of the fixed dental appliance, which is glued to each tooth separately, except for the teeth in the posterior area (molar) at which will be glued metal tubes (analogous to brackets) that are much stronger and voluminous specifically for the morphology of the respective teeth. Optionally, the chosen brackets can be metallic (classic version) or aesthetic - ceramic , sapphire .
The active part of the fixed device is the spring (which being attached to the brackets sets the teeth in motion). There is a wide variety of springs depending on the shape, material and size chosen according to the treatment stage and clinical case.
The orthodontic accessory elements are:
Ligatures ( elastic or metallic ) - which make the connection between the spring and the brackets, keeping the device active.
Special elastics (chains) or metal springs - to close and open spaces.
Intraoral elastics - used at the end of treatment to establish contacts between antagonistic teeth (bite). The orthodontist indicates the position of use of the elastics on a small group of teeth. Various in size and strength propagated on the dento-alveolar tissue, they must be worn 24 hours a day (except during meal hours), changed daily until ideal dental contacts are obtained.
Mini orthodontic implants - are small implants, "miniature" used exclusively in fixed orthodontic treatment (with brackets). Having the intraosseous anchorage (an additional anchorage), the purpose of the mini implants is to move the malpositioned teeth (in the wrong position). The fixing work is absolutely painless and harmless performed under local anesthesia for a few minutes. Mini implants are maintained in the oral cavity for a short period of time, on average 6-8 months, and in complicated cases - more than 1 year. At the end of the orthodontic treatment, once the brackets are removed, the mini implants are removed.
4. What is the "dental hygiene routine" for a patient wearing a fixed dental appliance?
Wearing a fixed dental appliance requires strict observance of oral hygiene for the prophylaxis of dental pathologies, among which the most common are: gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), tooth decay, pulpitis, periodontitis, stomatitis and other inflammatory complications. Rigorous sanitation consists in the successive use of: special brushes; dental floss; mouthwashes with mouthwash or mouthwash.
There are 3 types of brushes recommended for patients with fixed braces:
• Manual toothbrush, “Medium” or electric hardness for brushing dental surfaces, using the usual brushing movements: vertical, circular, oblique, etc. If an electric toothbrush is preferred it needs to be set at moderate speed; the movements are performed carefully so as not to damage the teeth, gums and orthodontic appliances.
• Manual brush, “Soft” or “Extra Soft” hardness to efficiently clean food on the bracket retaining surface.
• Interdental brushes used after each meal to remove food debris from under the arch. Ideally, you should have 2 such brushes, one of them to be "pocket" for the situation when you are not at home. We recommend flossing once a day, in the evening before bed, and mouthwashes with mouthwash and mouthwash whenever you can.
5. What is the duration of treatment with a fixed dental appliance?
The duration of a treatment is assessed individually for each patient depending on the degree of complexity, being 1.5 - 2 years. The factors that influence the duration of treatment are:
- The type of dental appliance (classic - ligatable or self-ligating), in the case of self-ligating ones (3D Control System) we obtain a faster result, on average, by 4-5 months;
- In the presence of dental diseases, the longer duration will be determined by the treatment of these teeth or other oral pathologies before the application of orthodontic appliances. Dental diseases during orthodontic treatment, due to hygienic deficiencies, can also increase the duration of treatment, but also compromise the desired result;
- Absence at pre-arranged visits according to the indications of the orthodontic treatment plan;
- Non-compliance with dietary rules during orthodontic treatment.
6. Which bracket system are more efficient?
We recommend self-ligating bracket systems because they involve a small number of visits (a visit within 3-4 months).
A fixed self-ligating device has a unique structure with special springs that slide freely in the bracket (eliminating the need for elastics or metal ligatures) which allows the teeth to be straightened and the occlusion defects to be corrected in a faster time with reduced visits (once every 3-4 Monday) for dental braces adjustment.
Of course, there are other questions we need to answer, but we assure you that all questions can be discussed in a warm and friendly atmosphere at the Dental Clinic " Omni Dent ", so that the treatment is as expected as possible. Each person has certain desires, goals, aspirations, or self-confidence offers the security of being in control of any situation.
The doctor is the person who can provide useful advice and a treatment plan that will bring the much desired result.
We are waiting for you, with pleasure, for a consultation at the " Omni Dent " Dental Clinic .
Author: Dorina ARSENE