Proper brushing of teeth and gums is one of the components of good oral health in general, because it is food debris and bacterial plaque that most often lead to the development of various diseases of the teeth and soft tissues. And one of the effective oral care products is floss for cleaning teeth or, more simply, dental floss, which allows you to clean the interdental spaces well.
Types of records
Dental plates are divided into 2 types. They can be removable or non-removable. Removable plates are installed for a period of 12 to 24 hours.
According to another classification, dental plates are divided into:
- Single-jaw – installed on one jaw. They are used if individual teeth are deformed, the dentition is shortened or narrowed. They include a base in the form of a plate and special screws. When the screws are tightened, pressure is applied to the teeth, which helps straighten them. Such plates are installed not only for children, but also for adult patients.
- Double-jawed – fixed on both jaws and relieves significant problems of the dentition.
- With a hand-shaped process - designed to correct defects of individual teeth. A dental plate is placed on one of the jaws, and the process presses on the tooth and helps it move in the desired direction.
- With a retraction arch – eliminates defects in the anterior teeth of both jaws. Successful teeth straightening is based on the springing ability of the wire.
- With a pusher - spring mechanisms are used to eliminate shortcomings. Such a plate for straightening teeth will only help with defects of the upper jaw.
- Bruckle's appliance will help correct the bite of the anterior dentition, but only if it is located on the lower jaw.
- Andrez-Goipl activator - it consists of two connected parts that are placed on both jaws. Thanks to the combined action, it simultaneously eliminates several dental anomalies.
- Frenkel apparatus - consists of a metal frame to which many additional accessories are attached, including lip pads and cheek shields. A complex device provides correction of various types of malocclusion.
What kind of floss is used for brushing teeth?
Today the following types of floss are produced for cleaning teeth and gums :
- With a round cross-section – designed for cleaning wide interdental spaces.
- With a flat section - for cleaning narrow interdental spaces. One of the options for flat threads is interdental tapes.
- Waxed - impregnated with wax, due to which they penetrate into interdental crevices more easily, are more resistant to tearing and have good sliding ability.
- Unwaxed – they clean better due to the fact that upon contact with dental surfaces they become fiber-free and collect plaque more effectively.
- Threads with special impregnation with therapeutic and prophylactic agents or deodorizing substances.
- Threads for individual use.
- Threads for use in the dental office.
How plates are installed on teeth
Before starting to manufacture and install an orthopedic plate for teeth, the dentist carefully examines the patient’s oral cavity and determines any existing pathologies. Then X-ray diagnostics are carried out and impressions are taken from the jaws. After successful fitting (the casts must perfectly match the shape of the jaws), a plate is made based on the plaster model.
Installing a plate to straighten teeth is not particularly difficult and does not require much time. The whole procedure will take no more than 10 minutes.
But the first installation must be carried out under the supervision of a dentist. It may be accompanied by increased salivation and speech defects. But soon the problems will disappear, and the teeth straightening plate will not cause any discomfort.
From time to time it is necessary to contact the dentist and tighten the screws on the plate to straighten the teeth, which will increase the load and correct the defect.
Removable plates
Removable plates for teeth are made of high-tech plastic that does not have a harmful effect on the body. They can be installed on the lower jaw, on the upper jaw, or on both together.
This plate is secured to straighten teeth using special hooks. If necessary, springs and screws are installed, which increases the cost.
The advantages of such plates include:
- 100% no allergies;
- the ability to remove it while eating and for cleaning;
But they also have disadvantages: fragility and staining with food coloring. In addition, removable orthodontic structures are unable to correct serious pathologies.
Therefore, removable plates for straightening teeth are in most cases installed on children and adolescents, since their dental apparatus is not fully formed and is much easier to handle. The action of the plates will be especially effective at the age of 7-12 years.
Fixed plates
A non-removable plate on the teeth is installed on the outside of the dentition. It is made of metal arcs (nickel or titanium), which are passed through special locks. The arches are gradually tightened, which ensures bite alignment on both the upper and lower jaws.
Typically, similar dental plates are installed for adults. They allow you not only to remove gaps between teeth, but also to correct serious bite deformities.
How long should you wear the record?
Removable plates are worn for 1.5-2 years, but they need to be replaced every 6-12 months.
Fixed plates for straightening teeth have been used for several years. The duration of wearing is determined by the dentist, based on the severity of the pathology.
Benefits of using dental plaques
Plates for straightening teeth compared to other orthodontic structures are characterized by the following advantages:
- quickly manufactured;
- hypoallergenic: made from environmentally friendly material;
- accelerate the growth of jaw bones, the development of which was slow;
- keep teeth in the required position;
- change the size of the sky;
- eliminate gaps between teeth;
- do not cause discomfort;
- do not require special care;
- have a relatively low cost (2-3 times cheaper than braces);
- prevent surgery.
Teeth straightening plates are custom-made to ensure an optimal fit to the patient's jaw. They precisely match the relief of the gums and the contour of the teeth.
We make records in any color and design the child wishes.
How to properly clean braces and teeth
Brushing teeth with braces takes about 20-30 minutes and should sequentially include the following steps:
- Using an orthodontic brush. After applying the toothpaste, begin brushing with slow horizontal movements along the arc. The latches of the braces are cleaned with slight pressure to remove dirt in hard-to-reach places. First the upper jaw is cleaned, then the lower jaw. Next, the brush is turned at a slight angle so that the bristles touch well the line between the gum and teeth. Cleaning is performed using comma-shaped movements to remove as much as possible all existing dirt.
- Cleaning with a mono-tuft brush. The bundle of paste is placed under a metal arc, carefully cleaning the locks and wire from all sides. Then it is worth cleaning the surface of each tooth, the line between the teeth and the gingival sulcus.
- The purpose of the brush is to clean hard-to-reach areas. To do this, the instrument is placed under a metal arc and plaque and food debris are removed using rotational translational movements.
- The irrigator is designed to wash away microparticles of food that previous devices could not remove, as well as to massage the gums. The use of special liquids improves the results and guarantees dental health.
- Flossing is a mandatory step in care when wearing braces. Carefully, so as not to damage the gums, use dental floss to clean the gaps between the teeth, as well as the areas near the locks. The thread is passed behind the arch and only then into the interdental space.
- Rinsing your mouth with a special composition is the last step of care.
The entire sequence must be performed two to three times a day - after each meal. If for some reason it is not possible to carry out hygienic manipulations, you can shorten the care procedure - use foam, floss and rinse.
Also, to maintain the ideal condition of the braces system, it is recommended to periodically have professional teeth cleaning in the dentist’s office.
The basic algorithm for cleaning teeth with braces can be seen in the video: the video will show how to use each device and what to pay special attention to.
It is worth understanding that care recommendations are standard. Individual selection of funds occurs at an appointment with the orthodontist, taking into account the installed braces system and the characteristics of the patient’s teeth.
Price
The dentist will be able to indicate the exact cost of the plate only after a thorough diagnosis.
If you decide to buy a dental plate, the price will depend on its type, the material used, the complexity of manufacturing, the number of plates, the presence of screws, springs and other additional accessories. The location of the clinic and its prestige, as well as the qualifications of the medical staff, play an important role in determining the cost.
A removable orthodontic plate for teeth will cost less (8-20 thousand rubles), but it will have to be replaced several times, which will significantly increase the total cost.
If it is necessary to place a permanent plate on the teeth, the price will reach 30-90 thousand rubles.
Comparison of popular brands of strips with each other
Dental strips are produced by many companies, one of the most famous is Crest 3D White. Crest 3D whitening strips are well known in many European countries, including our country. The stripes are divided into several categories: Vivid, Glamorous White, Supreme Flexfit, Professional Effects and 1-Hour Express. All of the listed types of strips are absolutely safe for health. Let's compare the characteristics of the two most common models.
Vivid is a budget option that allows you to achieve a lasting tone whitening effect that lasts for 8-10 months. Use once a day for 30 minutes per dose. The duration of the course is 10 days. Possibility to choose between two color tones.
Professional Effects is a more expensive and effective at-home whitening option. Allows you to whiten tooth enamel within two weeks, the choice of color tones has been increased to 5. Used once a day by applying to teeth for 1 hour. Thanks to the use of Advanced Seal technology, a tighter fit to the tooth surface is achieved, thereby enhancing the whitening effect.
Important to remember!
Do not forget that the choice of health products must be treated with special care. Counterfeits or simply low-quality products are not uncommon, so make your purchase in reliable places and after consulting a dentist. Also, teeth whitening in dentistry is always more effective and safe, because... takes into account your individual characteristics and is carried out on professional equipment customized for you. You need to treat enamel with special care, because... It will no longer be possible to restore it after damage, remember this.
Clinic orthodontist - Ph.D. Ryabtseva Alla Alexandrovna
Work experience 12 years. Candidate of Medical Sciences with teaching experience. Doctor of the highest category.
Specializes in correcting malocclusions using removable (aligners, plates) and non-removable (braces) equipment. Successfully applies MEAW multi-loop arc technologies and miniscrews. Works with adults and children (from 3 years old). Successfully uses MEAW multi-loop arch technology, miniscrews and devices for jaw expansion according to Marco Rossa.
In 2008 she graduated from the Stavropol State Medical University, in 2009 from the North-Western State Medical University. I. I. Mechnikova (St. Petersburg), 2011 full-time graduate school, 2013 candidate of medical sciences. Since 2014, assistant at the Department of General Dentistry and Pediatric Dentistry at Stavropol State Medical University. Studied in the USA and Europe.
Recommendations for use
It is important to follow some guidelines for proper cleaning:
- Do not use the same piece of floss to clean multiple spaces.
- Clean between each meal, especially after snacks containing sweets or baked goods.
- You need to brush thoroughly, but carefully so as not to irritate or damage your gums.
- If your gum is accidentally touched or injured, you should definitely rinse your mouth with an antiseptic solution - even if the injury is minor.
- If you have periodontal disease, you should always consult your dentist before using floss.
- For children under 7 years old, it is recommended to clean the gaps with thread only with the help of adults, since a small child is not yet able to use floss correctly and may simply swallow it.
Caring for the removable plate
- Follow your doctor's recommendations
Some patients are advised to use the device continuously. To minimize the likelihood of damage to it, it is important to follow the orthodontist's instructions and ask any questions you have.
Wearing a plate is necessary to consolidate the result of correction of the bite and dentition. The duration of use is determined by the doctor taking into account the clinical picture. Typically, plates are worn for the same amount of time as braces.
Continuous wearing of the structure is indicated for some time, later use at night is allowed.
- Remove the plate before eating
Residues of food can get stuck between the elements of the device, so when eating it is recommended to remove it and put it in a special container.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
Under active loads there is a possibility of damage to the plate, therefore:
- in order to continue protecting your teeth, remove the retainer and put on an orthodontic mouthguard;
- It is better to avoid contract sports during the period of orthopedic treatment, since the bones are in a weakened state and are subject to various damages;
- When removing the retainer, it should be placed exclusively in the container. Therefore, you should always take it with you.
