Dental brace: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Braces are a collection of brackets (usually with a wire) that are used in orthodontics to correct alignment of teeth in jaws in humans. Braces are often used to correct underbites, overbites, crooked teeth, and various cosmetic and functional flaws of teeth.

The Procedure

First you must go to the orthodontist to find out if, in fact, you need braces. If it turns out that you do need braces, you will make an appointment to get spacers. The dentist will put little rubber bands around some teeth in the back of your mouth. These rubber bands help space the those teeth out, so that putting the braces on will be easier. A few days after that you get the braces on. First you get the spacers out, and, around those teeth you get a little metal band. The orthodontist may have to try out a couple bands on those teeth until they find the one that fits. When they do, they put it on. Then they have to glue the brackets onto your teeth. The glue they use doesn't work if it is touching any moisture, or wetness before it sets. This is a problem because it goes in your mouth. But, the orthodontist has a device to keep it from getting wet. They have a plastic thing that they put in your mouth. One part goes over your tongue, so that it stays in the back of your mouth, behind your teeth. The other part stretches your cheeks out, so it is a) easier for the orthodontist to work in your mouth, and b) no moisture from your cheeks will get in the glue. Then the orthodontist glues the brackets on. This takes a while, because the orthodontist has to do it really carefully, so she/he gets it in the right spot. When that is done, you have to wait a little longer before the mouthpiece can ocme off, so that the glue can set. After that, you get to choose what color you want the rubberbands that go around your braces will be. Some orthodontists have a really wide range of colors. Then he/she will put the rubberbands around each bracket. This may be a little painful, but not terribly. Then the orthodontist will put a wire through the brackets. The first time the wire is thin, but each time you go back (approx. once a month) the orthodontist will change the wire so it is a little thicker. This tightens the braces, so as to further realign your teeth. They will also change the little rubber bands on the brackets. Each time the braces get tightened your teeth may feel a little sore for a day or two. Some people need braces for only half a year, while others may need them for five years. Not everybody needs braces.

References in Culture

Braces are often seen as "geeky". However they also featured in the memorable mantra "Dental Plan...Lisa Needs Braces" from The Simpsons episode "Last Exit to Springfield", where Homer considers the fact that losing his work-based dental plan would force him to pay for braces for his daughter Lisa.