Orthodontic braces for teeth — types, principle of operation, cost

How does the orthodontic appliance work?

Braces work by putting constant, gentle pressure on the teeth and jawbones, which gradually moves the teeth into proper alignment. The forces transmitted by the braces stimulate the process of bone remodelling – in the place where the tooth moves, the bone is absorbed, and a new one is formed on the opposite side. Thanks to this, the teeth can change their position, and after the end of the treatment, the patient gets a simpler bite, better aesthetics of the smile and improved chewing function.

What does the orthodontic appliance help with?

Braces help not only to improve the appearance of a smile but also to improve oral health and overall bite function. With it you can:

1) Straighten teeth — corrects crowding, tilting and shifting of teeth.

2) Improve bite — removes defects such as front bite, back bite, open bite or crossbite.

3) Facilitate oral hygiene — straight teeth are easier to clean, which reduces the risk of caries and gum disease.

4) Prevent tooth abrasion — correct alignment eliminates excessive loads and uneven pressure.

5) Improve pronunciation — correcting malocclusion can make it easier to pronounce certain vowels correctly.

6) Eliminate pain and tension — misalignment of teeth and jaws can cause headaches, neck pain or temporomandibular joint problems, and orthodontic treatment often brings relief.

It is also important that braces also help to increase self-confidence, because a simple smile is also more comfortable in social contacts.

Types of braces

We can distinguish several main types of braces, which differ in structure, operation and aesthetics.

Mobile (removable) cameras

Braces that the patient can put on and take off on his own. Most often they are used in children and adolescents, when the bones of the jaw and lower jaw are still growing. Thanks to this, it is possible to influence the direction of growth of the jaws, correct malocclusion and prepare the oral cavity for subsequent treatment with a fixed apparatus. The removable orthodontic appliance works by exerting gentle forces on the teeth and jaws with elements such as screws, springs or wire arcs embedded in an acrylic plate. The patient puts it on for a certain number of hours a day (usually a dozen, mainly apart from eating and brushing teeth), so that the apparatus gradually shifts the teeth or affects the direction of growth of the jaws. Removable braces are not able to position teeth as precisely as fixed braces, so they are often a preliminary or supportive treatment.

Fixed metal cameras

The classic and most commonly used type of braces. They consist of locks glued to the surface of the teeth and connected by a special orthodontic arch, which gradually moves the teeth. The force of action can be adjusted during control visits by changing arcs and additional elements. Metal braces are very effective and allow you to treat even complex malocclusion. Their disadvantage is visibility and initial discomfort; however, due to price and efficiency, they are most often chosen.

Aesthetic fixed appliances (ceramic, porcelain, sapphire)

They work on the same principle as metal braces, but instead of steel locks, they use locks made of aesthetic materials – most often porcelain, ceramics or sapphire crystals. Thanks to this, the braces are much less visible, because the locks are transparent or matched in colour to the teeth. This solution is especially popular with adult patients who want to improve their smile without visible metal elements. The downside may be a higher price and greater susceptibility of locks to damage.

Self-Ligating Apparatus

In traditional braces, the arch is attached to the locks with rubber ligatures. In self-ligating apparatus, locks have special flaps or mechanisms that themselves hold the arc in place. This reduces the friction between the lock and the arch, which can shorten the treatment time, reduce pain and increase patient comfort. These braces also require less frequent check-ups and facilitate oral hygiene. They can be available in both metal and aesthetic versions.

Lingual apparatus

These are special orthodontic appliances that are fixed on the inside of the teeth – on the side of the tongue. This makes them completely invisible from the outside, which makes them an attractive option for those who value discretion. They work similarly to classic fixed braces but require more precision in fitting and fitting. They can cause initial speech difficulties and tongue irritation and are more expensive than traditional braces. Their great advantage, however, is complete invisibility.

Orthodontic overlays (aligners, e.g., Invisalign)

A modern alternative to traditional braces. Overlays are transparent splints made individually on the basis of a 3D scan of the patient's teeth. They are worn most of the day (about 20-22 hours a day), but they can be removed to eat and brush your teeth. Overlays are practically invisible, very comfortable and hygienic. Treatment is carried out in stages – every few weeks the patient receives a new set of overlays, which gradually move the teeth. They work best for moderate malocclusion, while fixed braces are more effective in complicated cases.

Do the braces hurt?

Putting on braces is not painful, since the process itself consists mainly in glueing the locks and fixing the arch and not interfering with the tissues. Discomfort usually only appears in the following hours and days after wearing, when the appliance begins to work and put pressure on the teeth. Patients describe it rather as a feeling of distension, mild pain or hypersensitivity that intensifies when burning food. These symptoms are completely normal and indicate that the teeth begin to shift. They are usually most felt during the first week of treatment and after follow-up visits, when the orthodontist adjusts the appliance. Over time, the body gets used to the pressure, and the ailments become weaker and weaker. If necessary, you can use commonly available painkillers or special orthodontic waxes to relieve irritation from locks and wires.

When is it worth deciding on braces?

It is worth opting for braces when the alignment of the teeth or the bite causes health, functional or aesthetic problems. The most common indications are:

1) Crowded and crooked teeth — when there is a lack of space in the arch and the teeth overlap, which makes hygiene difficult and affects appearance.

2) Bite defects — e.g., front bite (extended jaw), back bite (retracted jaw), crossbite or open bite. If not corrected, they can lead to problems with chewing, speech and excessive tooth abrasion.

3) Abnormal habits — the effects of thumb sucking, mouth breathing or prolonged pacifier use in children may require orthodontic treatment.

4) Problems with the temporomandibular joint – jaw pain, crackling, and tension of the facial muscles can be associated with malalignment of the teeth.

5) Aesthetic considerations — if a smile is a source of complexes, braces can significantly improve self-confidence.

6) Preparation for other procedures — for example, before implantation of implants or making bridges, it is sometimes necessary to align the alignment of the teeth.

How much do braces cost for teeth?

The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on several elements and usually breaks down over time, so it does not just come down to the price of the appliance itself. The total amount also consists of consultation visits before and after the installation of the apparatus.

The first visit to the orthodontist includes an examination of the oral cavity, an evaluation of the malocclusion and often additional examinations: X-rays (panoramic, cephalometric), impressions or a 3D scan of the teeth. This is the stage at which all treatment is planned and the right type of braces is selected.

The price of the orthodontic appliance itself depends on the type (metal, aesthetic, self-ligating, lingual, aligner pads) and whether it applies to one or both dental arches. At this stage, you pay for locks, bows and all the elements that make up the camera.

Orthodontic treatment usually lasts from a dozen months to several years, and during this time regular check-ups are necessary every 4—8 weeks. During them, the orthodontist adjusts the appliance, replaces the arches or ligatures and monitors the progress of the treatment. Each of these visits is associated with an additional cost, which in the long run represents a significant part of the total cost of treatment.

Who is the orthodontic appliance for at the National Health Fund?

The National Health Fund reimburses the cost of braces, but only in strictly defined cases. First, for children and adolescents up to the age of 12. The National Health Fund reimburses the removable orthodontic appliance if the doctor finds a malocclusion that requires treatment. The cost of the camera and its repairs is covered by the Fund. Secondly, adolescents from 13 to 18 years of age can apply for reimbursement of the costs of check-ups and orthodontic treatment. The permanent apparatus itself is not financed by the National Health Fund; it must be paid for privately.

The fixed apparatus (metal, aesthetic, self-ligating, lingual, aligners) is always paid in full by the patient, regardless of age.

How many braces are worn?

The duration of wearing braces depends on the type of malocclusion, the age of the patient and the type of appliance used. Permanent braces are worn on average from 12 to 30 months. In simple cases, treatment can last about a year, but with serious defects, even more than 2 years. Movable (removable) braces are usually worn for several hours a day (e.g., afternoons, nights) for a period of several months to 2-3 years, depending on the growth rate of the jaws and the effects of treatment. In turn, overlays (aligners, such as Invisalign) are worn for 12-24 months, and each overlay should be worn 20-22 hours a day, changing the set every 1-2 weeks.

How to clean braces and teeth?

During orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene is of great importance, as the appliance promotes the accumulation of food debris and bacteria. In the case of permanent braces, you should brush your teeth after each meal, using a manual or electric brush and a special V-shaped orthodontic brush. It is worth reaching for single-bunch toothbrushes, which allow you to thoroughly clean the places around the locks and under the wire. For interdental spaces, dental floss with through-stops or special orthodontic flossers is useful, and a water irrigator is also a very effective support. Additional protection is provided by mouthwashes with fluoride. The removable orthodontic appliance should be washed after each removal under lukewarm water with a brush, and from time to time use cleaning tablets that remove deposits and bacteria. During this time, the teeth are brushed as usual, at least twice a day, but preferably after each meal. Orthodontic overlays should be regularly rinsed and gently cleaned with a soft brush and periodically disinfected using special means or tablets. You must remember never to wash them in hot water, as they could deform. It is also very important to brush your teeth thoroughly before putting on the pads again so that food debris does not linger under the plastic. Regardless of the type of orthodontic appliance, it is worth regularly attending check-ups and hygiene visits, which help to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout the treatment.