3 DETAILED STAGES OF BRACES YOU MUST KNOW

In the current literature, there is no consensus on the average time of braces stages. A recent systematic review found that the average duration of treatment with a fixed appliance was approximately 19.9 months. However, results varied significantly between studies, with median duration ranging from 14 to 33 months, and the quality of treatment outcomes in these studies has not been fully evaluated. When evaluating treatment cases according to the standards of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), the average time for a treatment period was found to be approximately 24.6 months. 

Also according to Dr. Cao Thi Linh - Professional Director at Lac Viet Intech Dental, said: current orthodontics will go through 3 stages: pre-orthodontics, wearing braces and maintenance stage:

Examination stage, experience in choosing a reputable dentist

1.1. 3 steps not to be missed 

This is the first step not to be missed, laying a solid foundation for the success of the braces process. During this period, you will receive:

• General examination and accurate diagnosis:The doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination of your oral condition, including X-rays and tooth impressions to collect initial data.
• 3D image analysis and personalized treatment planning:Based on the collected data, the doctor will use advanced technology to analyze and create a separate, appropriate treatment plan for each specific case.
• Treating oral problems before orthodontics:Any problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis, or tooth extraction will be thoroughly treated before starting to wear braces, ensuring a healthy oral environment for the tooth movement process.

AtLac Viet Intech, customers will have a general examination and a modern 3D Cone Beam CT scan, giving clear images of the jawbone and tooth roots. Combined with a 3D tooth impression scanner such as iTero 5D or Medit i700. Doctors can quickly and accurately develop a personalized treatment plan.

X-rays taken during examination at Lac Intech dental clinic

With the X-Matrix solution, customers can preview tooth movement and the final results. Modern equipment also helps detect dental problems early for timely treatment, ensuring safety throughout the treatment process.

1.2. Experience when finding a dentist for braces 

Choosing the right dentist for braces is a very important step. This directly affects the effectiveness, time and safety throughout the treatment process. Below are some experiences to help you choose a reputable and suitable place for braces.

First, learn carefully about the treating doctor.
The doctor should have expertise in orthodontics, preferably with a degree or officially issued specialized certificate. You should look through clinical cases that your doctor has performed, as well as actual feedback from previous patients. Avoid facilities with unknown doctors or doctors without orthodontic expertise.

Second, pay attention to facilities and equipment. Modern equipment helps diagnose more accurately, shortens treatment time and ensures safety when wearing braces.

Third, get clear advice before starting.
The doctor needs to explain specifically about the tooth condition, treatment plan, expected time and cost. Places that promise too fast a time or too low a price are often unreliable.

Fourth, learn carefully about costs and warranty policies.
Ask clearly what the package fee includes: x-rays, follow-up examinations, retainers or dental cleaning. Avoid unclear arising amounts. Some reputable dentists also have treatment and warranty contracts after braces are removed.

See more:

Stage of wearing braces when wearing braces 

This is the longest phase in the processbraces stages

2.1. Evenly spread teeth 

In the first stages of wearing braces, the goal isArrange misaligned teeth evenly. Teeth that are crowded, crooked or rotated will be straightened with an arch wire. Each tooth will gradually enter the standard position on the jaw. During this stage, a slight feeling of soreness or discomfort may occur, but it will quickly disappear.

The doctor willattach brackets to each tooth, LaterThread the orthodontic wirethrough the bracket grooves. The archwire has the ability to remember its original shape, helpingApply light, continuous pressureLet the teeth move gradually.

Lac Viet IntechApplying arch wires from major brands in the world and precise bracket attachment techniques thanks to X-Matrix solution ensures orthodontic effectiveness.

Image of elastic and wire braces

At this stage, teeth that are crowded, misaligned or growing in the wrong direction will begin to slowly move toward the standard position. Patients may feel slight numbness or tightness for the first few days, but this feeling usually subsides quickly as the body adapts.

2.2. Flattening the dental arch

After the teeth have been spread evenly, the doctor proceeds toflatten and align the dental arch. This step helps adjust the tilt and height of each tooth. Helps bring uniformity in tooth shape, as well as create an ideal jaw curve. Flattening the dental arch helps the teeth make better contact, creating a foundation for future bite correction steps. 

At this stage, the doctor will:

• Replace the arch wire with a square or rectangular cross section, helping to better control the tooth axis.

• Align the tooth heightto create uniformity between the front and back teeth.

• Adjust the inclination of the tooth rootsto suit the shape and ideal bite.

Flatning the dental arch helpsteeth fit more evenly, and at the same timecreates a standard foundationfor the subsequent step of bite correction. At Lac Viet Intech, doctors use a multi-layer wire system and low-friction materials to help teeth move gently, accurately and with less pain.

2 stages of leveling and flattening the dental arch will take place in about 6-8 months. 

2.3. Interval closure (8-12 months) 

This stage is performed if the patient needs teeth extracted before braces to create space to realign the teeth. The goal is to close the gaps caused by tooth extraction, helping the teeth fit closer and the bite be balanced.

The doctor will use specialized tools such as elastic bands, traction springs or orthodontic minivis to apply precise force. This force helps pull the teeth to move synchronously, avoiding affecting the position of other teeth.

This is a decisive stage in facial aesthetics, especially the lip and jaw areas. When the space is closed properly, the face becomes more balanced and harmonious, the bite is significantly improved.

The doctor will closely monitor the movement progress of each tooth, regularly adjusting the traction force to ensure the teeth move correctly, without causing bone loss or tooth subsidence.

See details: Braces cannot close the space

2.4. Refinement (3-4 months) 

This is thefinal stagein the process of straightening teeth with braces. When the teeth are in approximately the correct position, the doctor will proceed tofine-tune the bite and balance the two jawsto achieve perfect harmony.

During this stage, the doctor will:

• Check the contact between the teethwhen biting closely.

• Adjust the axis, tilt angle and position of each toothto ensure optimal aesthetics and chewing function.

Although it is the last step, this is an important stage. to ensure sustainable and natural braces results. After fine-tuning is complete, the patient will have the braces removed and switched to wearing a retainer to stabilize the results.

Stage of removing braces and wearing a retainer 

After completing the orthodontic process, you will have the braces removed. However, to ensure that the results are not changed and maintain the beauty of your new teeth, wearing a retainer according to your doctor's instructions is a must.

Retainers are designed to keep teeth stable in their new position, preventing them from moving back to their original position. There are two main types of retainers:

• Fixed retainer:Is a small, thin metal wire that is permanently attached to the inside of the tooth, usually the front teeth. This type has the advantage of not having to remember to wear it and causing little impact on daily activities.
• Removable retainer:Like a transparent retainer or Hawley appliance, it can be removed for eating and oral hygiene. However, you must make sure to wear it for enough time as prescribed by your doctor, usually all day in the early stages, and only remove it when necessary.

Fixed retainer

Strictly following the instructions for wearing a retainer is a key factor in determining the sustainability of your new smile. 

See details on how to choose a retainer at: 

Summary of easy-to-understand braces stages 

Important notes during the braces stages

For the braces process to go smoothly, you need to pay attention to:

Care thoroughly and properly:Clean teeth hygiene is a prerequisite to avoid dental problems. Use a specialized toothbrush for people with braces, combined with dental floss and mouthwash to remove plaque and leftover food stuck in braces. This helps prevent tooth decay, gingivitis and bad breath.

Build a suitable diet:During the braces process, you need to avoid foods that are too chewy, hard or sticky because they can cause the brackets or wires to come off. Limit sweets and carbonated drinks because they easily stick to the braces and increase the risk of tooth decay.

Comply with the doctor's regular follow-up schedule:The doctor will check the progress of tooth movement and adjust the tightening force promptly, ensuring the teeth move in the right direction and achieve the expected braces effect.

Notify the dentist immediately when any problems arise:If the braces come off, the wire is pierced into the cheek or there is any discomfort. If there is any abnormality, contact your dentist immediately. 

Contact information

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Hotline: 0866.38.0033
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TP. Ho Chi Minh: No. 90 - 92 Ngo Gia Tu, Ward 9, District 10
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