Bottom Braces: Can You Get Them Alone?
A common question asked by dental patients considering orthodontic braces is centered on whether or not both upper and bottom braces will be necessary. As this is a great question, we will take the time to explore how braces work and if wearing only bottom braces is possible.
What Are Braces?
Simply put, orthodontic or dental braces are precisely strung wires used to remold teeth positioning in patients who have dental issues. Generally made of stainless steel, but available in alternate colors and materials, braces consist of an arc wire that puts pressure on teeth in need of moving, adhesive metal brackets for the arc wire to run through, and ligatures or elastic bands to hold the arc wire in place.
Who Needs Braces?
Often, braces are suggested for patients who suffer from a variety of dental issues. Most commonly, young children and adolescents who have malformed and misaligned teeth and bite patterns are good candidates for this type of procedure. However, more and more adults looking for cosmetic alterations are opting to undergo the process. For those who have serious issues such as an extreme overbite or under bite, dental braces are recommended to enable patients to have better mouth functioning.
What is it like to get braces?
Obviously, a trip to the dentist is never anyone’s idea of a good time. Getting braces seems to be no exception. A dentist will take several steps before, during, and after applying braces and most procedures tend to be somewhat unpleasant. Below is a typical experience when an individual is interested in acquiring a new smile through the use of orthodontic braces:
Step 1: A dentist will examine and x-ray teeth to determine whether or not braces can or should be administered.
Step 2: Once a plan has been initiated to commence with the procedure, molds and impressions will be made of the individual’s teeth and another appointment will be scheduled.
Step 3: Knowing exactly which teeth need moved and what placement the braces will need, the dentist will begin the process of cementing brackets onto each tooth in question. After the bracket adhesive is dried and the bracket completely affixed, the arc wire is then ran through each bracket and secured by ligatures or elastic.
Step 4: The arc wire will begin to stiffen. This is the process that begins to put strain on teeth and forces them over a period of time to reposition themselves in the mouth.
Step 5: After braces are attached, the patient will be free to leave. Many return trips to the dental office will include retightening and maintaining the braces.
Are Just Bottom Braces an Option?
In most cases of dental braces, both sets of teeth are in bad form and typically both need the application of braces to ensure proper mouth structure. In some cases, however; top or bottom braces may be used without the other. While this is unusual, it is not completely unheard of.
In fact, many patients who wish only to have teeth reformed for aesthetic beauty are prime candidates for bottom braces only, as long as top teeth are not affecting the mouth negatively. Another reason top and bottom braces may be used singularly is because a patient has issues of crowding in only one set of teeth.
Final Thought
Talking to your dentist is the first step towards making an informed decision about whether or not you may need braces and how the process works. Whether you are looking for a better smile or just can’t bite right, dental braces may be a good idea. With today’s amazing technology, braces are easier than ever to get and cause much less pain than those of earlier times.