Orthodontic plates: indications and application

Many orthodontists consider childhood to be the most appropriate age for correcting the position of teeth that have erupted and are just beginning to emerge, and for correcting malocclusion. This is due to the fact that the child’s jaw is still developing, so in a short time it is possible to correct existing defects and prevent the situation from getting worse. The most common reason for a child’s malocclusion is the lack of attention to this problem on the part of his mother. It is normal for a child to have a lower jaw that is smaller than the upper jaw, but during natural feeding this defect is usually corrected.

Many orthodontists consider childhood to be the most appropriate age for correcting the position of teeth that have erupted and are just beginning to emerge, and for correcting malocclusion.

The main causes of malocclusion:

• The hole in the nipple is too large (with artificial feeding). The child does not need to make any effort to obtain food and the jaw does not work or develop.
• Lack of roughage in the diet;
• Lack of minerals and vitamins in the body;
• Mouth breathing due to problems with blocked sinuses.

However, all this is not an insurmountable obstacle to getting a child a beautiful smile with straight teeth.

The most common reason for a child’s malocclusion is lack of attention from his mother.

Orthodontic equipment for teeth straightening and bite formation

There are several tools to straighten your teeth and form your bite:

• Trainers;
• Braces;
• Plates for teeth straightening.

Trainers

Most orthodontic devices designed to correct malocclusion eliminate the consequences of the pathological process, without excluding its cause. A dental trainer is a device that performs both tasks. Wearing trainers helps develop the jaw muscles, reduce pressure on the jaw bones, restore breathing through the nose and correct tongue position. Suitable for treating children from 5 years of age. They are especially effective when replacing baby teeth with permanent ones to correct their incorrect position. Wearing time is limited to night and a few hours during the day.

An impression is not required for production. Transparent silicone is used in different colors to make them more interesting for children to wear. Adapts well and does not affect diction. It is used for minor bite deviations, and can even replace braces if there are contraindications to wearing them.

First, trainers with soft silicone are used. Later, more stringent ones are used. Used for: deviations in tooth growth (location, direction, etc.), impaired swallowing function, pathologies of the oral cavity leading to chronic nasal congestion. They require daily care just like all devices.

Braces

Braces are special linings for each tooth, which are strung on a rigid metal arch. The main qualities of the arc:

• Strength;
• Elasticity;
• Availability of shape memory. No matter how the wire is bent during the treatment process, it tends to take its original shape.

Braces are the most common way to correct malocclusions. Starting from the age of 12 (the average period for the final eruption of permanent teeth), they can be installed in children. Braces are a non-removable device. They are attached to each tooth. Wearing them requires regular visits to your doctor, who determines and regulates the tension of the wire. When wearing braces, they are quite noticeable, and this affects the teenager’s behavior (they become more shy, tense and smile less often). The use of braces requires increased attention to oral hygiene (food gets stuck in the system) and imposes restrictions on the consumption of certain foods (hard and viscous). But despite the disadvantages, this is a very strong and durable design that allows you to eliminate many bite defects.

The use of braces requires increased attention to oral hygiene

Retainer

A retainer (in this case, a permanent retainer) is a thin wire made of the same material as the bracket arch. It is not an independent orthodontic device, but serves to prevent aligned teeth from returning to their original place. It is usually installed before removing braces, so we decided to mention it. It is not noticeable to others because it is attached to the inside of the jaw, where it is secured with dental cement that hardens under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. It is almost impossible to tear off, so there are no restrictions on eating hard and sticky foods.

Correct your bite or dental defect with invisible aligners Find out what it is

When is the best time to bet

The device is used both at a young and at a more mature age, depending on the needs of the client. If there are no significant jaw defects and only supportive or consolidating therapy is required, such a design can be used in adult patients, but they are given only non-removable versions - the removable version does not provide sufficient pressure on the formed dentition to keep it in its normal position.

When are plates placed to straighten children’s teeth, how are they made, what are they called and what are they needed for? The optimal option is considered to be 5–6 years old; sometimes the device is installed on children (3–4 years old), but the final decision is made only by the dentist. It is popular to use a lightweight orthodontic device instead of braces in adolescence, up to 12 (less often up to 15–16) years - mainly to correct minor malocclusions and alignment problems.

In adulthood, dental correction is performed using more complex systems or aligners, but there are cases when the use of arches is prescribed for adults.

A little about why the bite can form incorrectly and how to avoid it:

Plates for teeth straightening

Orthodontic plates are often called “braces” or “plates on the teeth.” This device is used to treat children under 15 years of age. Made individually for each child. It is attached to the outer surface, the inner part and can partially cover the sky. Made from soft or medium hard plastic and metal. The child takes food without any discomfort. There is no need for any special care for the plates.

Purpose:

• abnormal development of the bones of the jaw arches (narrowness of the jaw bone or disruption of its shape);
• the need to adjust the position of one or more teeth;
• movement of individual teeth;
• the presence of gaps between teeth (three and diastemas);
• the need to correct the narrowing of the palate;
• activation or slowdown of the jaw growth process;
• consolidation of results after using other orthodontic systems;
• preventing crowding;
• prevention of relapses of malocclusion, etc.

There is no need for any special care of the plates

How to place a plate on a child’s teeth?

Installing plates on children's teeth usually takes several weeks, since they are made individually for each patient. To create a suitable orthodontic appliance, the patient undergoes an X-ray examination, then the doctor takes an impression of the teeth for the plate. After this, plaster models are made, from which the structures are created. Particular attention is paid to the exact match of the surface relief of the gums and the palate - the adjustment takes just over 10 minutes. After this, the child will be able to independently remove and put on the plate on the lower teeth and upper jaw.

Classification of plates for teeth straightening

According to use, the equipment is:

• removable;
• non-removable.

Removable

– the simplest design, and is installed on children from 7 to 15 years old for short-term correction of teeth or bite. Fixed with hooks and worn daily. The duration of wearing is determined by the attending physician. They are most often made of plastic, but sometimes they come in complex designs that include springs and screws. The doctor periodically adjusts the device to obtain gentle pressure on the teeth. This achieves a positive therapeutic effect. The teeth are straightened and the bite is corrected. Such equipment is used when it is not possible to correct the defect using only a plate. Can be installed on both the upper and lower jaw.

Fixed (stationary)

– installed once using fixing brackets that prevent movement when eating, for up to two years. Monitoring and adjustment is carried out by the attending physician during a scheduled visit. It is most often used for young children and to correct serious developmental defects of the jaw apparatus.

Differences:

• stationary is more effective in correcting defects. More expensive than the removable version;
• removable, easy to remove at any time. Easier to care for.

According to the material of manufacture:

• metal;
• plastic.

Metal

– made of titanium-nickel or titanium-molybdenum alloy, which do not oxidize in the aggressive environment of the oral cavity. Outwardly it looks like a combination of wires and hooks. It can be either removable or non-removable. Used to treat children of all ages.

Plastic

– most of these plates are removable and are intended for treating children of middle and older age groups.

By purpose and device:

1. Single-jaw – used to restore the dentition when it is shortened or narrowed, as well as to eliminate defects of individual teeth. Consist of a plate with adjustable orthopedic screws. Suitable for children of all ages.
2. With retraction arch. Correct protrusion of teeth in a row. Based on the elastic properties of the arc. Suitable for correction on both jaws.
3. With a hand-shaped process on an arch. Correct the position of individual teeth. The process puts pressure on the tooth and aligns its position. Can be installed on both the upper and lower jaw.
4. With active pusher. Used to straighten the maxillary anterior incisors. The dentition is aligned with spring mechanisms for each uneven tooth.
5. The Andresen-Goipl apparatus (activator) is a removable orthodontic device of combined action designed to correct occlusal defects. The activator makes it possible to fix the lower jaw in the required (extended) position, which gives impetus to its development. In this regard, the growth of the upper jaw is inhibited, the bite is disconnected, and the work of the facial and masticatory muscles returns to normal. Placing the inclined plane of the plate along the entire dentition makes it possible to move teeth in three planes - to the side, back and forward. This allows, with some design changes and additions to the activator, to successfully use it to correct not only distal occlusion, but also other deviations of occlusion.
6. Bruckle's appliance is a removable device designed to correct deep mesial bite. It is installed only on the lower jaw, and, due to its design features, it has a positive effect on both dentitions.
7. Frenkel apparatus - lip pads, brush shields, and other additional elements are installed on a metal frame. The device is attached simultaneously to both jaws and has a functionally targeted action that limits unnecessary muscle force. The use of the device promotes the normal development of the jaws, dental arches and rows. Open, distal and mesial bites are corrected, but the complexity and duration of production, as well as the high cost, do not contribute to its popularity.

The procedure for adjusting and installing the plate is simple and painless. At first, the child feels discomfort from the presence of the equipment in the mouth, but then he gets used to it.

For adults

Adults rarely play records, since they are usually useless here. If the defect is mild, the use of such a device is still allowed. However, it is large, and the effect on aesthetics is even worse than braces and the discomfort from them is much greater.

If you want to correct your bite, but do not accept fixed appliances, it is recommended to use aligners. These are transparent removable aligners. Such devices are comfortable, unnoticeable, and useful for not too large dental defects.

Important ! An adult will have to use orthodontic plates for at least a year. And how much exactly will be determined by what defect the bite has.

Video - About aligners for straightening teeth in Question-Answer format

Procedure for making and installing plates for teeth straightening

The selection and production of plates for correcting the bite is carried out only after examination by an orthodontist. The technique is as follows:

• A volumetric image of the jaw bone tissue (OPTG) is taken;
• Impressions of the jaws are taken;
• They are sent to a dental laboratory to produce the selected plate;

After the orthodontic equipment has been manufactured, the doctor installs it and explains to the parents and child how to wear it. The fixed structure takes a little longer to install than the removable one. The procedure for adjusting and installing the plate is simple and painless. At first, the child feels discomfort from the presence of the equipment in the mouth, but then he gets used to it.

After installation

Getting used to orthodontic plates takes on average 5-7 days. On the first day after installation, the child will feel slight discomfort due to the unusual structure in the mouth. This may be manifested by unclear pronunciation of some sounds, increased salivation, and possible nausea. Unpleasant sensations are associated with the beginning of tooth movement; they disappear and may reappear after activation of the screw.

To reduce discomfort, in the first days you can take short breaks in wearing for 30-40 minutes, but then strictly adhere to the time regimen established by the doctor. To eliminate difficulties with pronouncing sounds, it is recommended to speak more and read aloud. Sometimes situations arise that an orthodontic dental plate for children falls out or does not fit. The reason may be:

• loss of a tooth that acted as a support;
• eruption of a permanent tooth under the base of the plate;
• wearing rules are violated;
• the record has not been used for a long time.

If you have these problems, you need to make an appointment with your doctor.

To find out how much an orthodontic plate costs, sign up for a consultation with our specialists by phone or fill out an application on the website. Any service in the clinic is provided at a high level and meets modern international standards.

Indications and contraindications for installing braces

The appointment and selection of the correct design is recommended by the doctor.
Treatment is prescribed in the following cases:

• Incorrect position of one or more teeth;
• Jaw bone development problem;
• Narrowing of the palate;
• Malocclusion;
• Teeth displacement after braces;
• Rare arrangement of teeth.

Orthodontists recommend installing plates for children under 12 years of age.

Often plates are placed on braces after treatment to secure the result as a retainer. You shouldn't be afraid of this.

In this age:

• the body grows and corrections occur quickly;
• children at this age are not so painfully worried about the installation of plates;
• children are more obedient and will not remove the plates often.

Plates are not installed in the following cases:

• untreated caries;
• gum disease;
• allergy to plate material;
• respiratory tract diseases;
• presence of stomatitis that requires treatment;
• abnormalities have been identified that require other treatment methods.

Advantages and disadvantages of records

The advantages of fixed orthodontic braces include:

• effectiveness against malocclusions, gaps, grouping;
• relatively low cost;
• no need for active patient action (especially important for children - it is enough to follow simple operating instructions);
• the ability to save the entire row without removing the “extra”, as before braces;
• expansion of the jaw (in children), so that subsequently the permanent incisors and molars erupt correctly and do not interfere.

Before you start wearing dental plates, you should familiarize yourself with the list of potential inconveniences:

• ineffective for significant pathologies;
• the possibility of an allergic reaction to plastic or metal alloy components;
• risk of gum inflammation (in this case, consultation with the treating orthodontist is required);
• discomfort when wearing (especially initially);
• the likelihood of a change in diction (the patient will have to adapt to the new state and not plan important meetings during the adaptation period);
• lack of aesthetic appeal (it is better to find out in advance everything about the condition of the teeth and clarify what a dental plate looks like for a child or adult).

How effective are the devices?

If the problem is not advanced, arches are enough to get an even, beautiful smile and get rid of defects. Only an orthodontist can give the most accurate forecast - he will also advise which device should be chosen.

The best option is to use the design at a young age, as this reduces the likelihood that repeated correction will be needed after adulthood. The doctor will select the optimal wire thickness to achieve the effect.

How long should you wear braces?

At the time of active formation of the dentition, the plates are changed approximately every six months. The duration of treatment is determined individually. Usually the defect is corrected in a year to a year and a half, further time is required to consolidate the result. Often plates are placed on braces after treatment to secure the result as a retainer. You shouldn't be afraid of this.

Caring for teeth straightening plates

In order for the equipment to work as expected, you need to perform simple operations. For this it is recommended:

• Clean the plate with a soft toothbrush;
• Use special cleaning gels (daily and weekly);
• Do not engage in active sports with the plate on;
• Store the equipment in a special container;
• Do not try to repair the plate yourself if you discover damage or deformation. You should consult your doctor;
• Treat the structure with a disinfectant solution. If the plate is removable, it is better to place it in the solution overnight;
• Remove the removable plates when eating;
• Before installation, rinse with warm boiled water;
• If the equipment design has a screw, it is recommended to lubricate it with vegetable oil so that it does not stagnate;
• Parents should ensure that the child does not remove the equipment at night;
• Teach your child how to tighten a screw in a plate;
• To avoid complications, periodically visit an orthodontist and follow his instructions;
• Carefully monitor oral hygiene during treatment (the presence of plates increases plaque in the mouth);
• If plaque or tartar is found on the plate, you should consult a doctor for cleaning.

The treatment is helped by a special massage that affects the gums and palate. By improving blood circulation, massage accelerates the healing and growth processes in the jaw area. This massage is performed while brushing your teeth.

What is better - braces or braces?

The plates are only effective for people under 15 years of age and may not help in some situations. And even at the age of 10-12 years, in some cases it is necessary to install braces. If the pathologies are minor and are in the initial stage, then it is enough to use plates.

Advantages:

• Possibility to remove if necessary;
• Easy to care for your oral cavity;
• Cheaper than braces.

Flaws:

• Often not effective enough;
• Long-term addiction.

Advantages of braces:

• Continuous action on teeth;
• Quick addiction;
• A larger number of defects can be eliminated simultaneously.

Flaws:

• Difficulties in caring for the oral cavity;
• High cost for the entire range of services.

The cost of a dental plate in Moscow

The average cost of dental plates for children in Moscow varies from 8 to 15 thousand rubles. Do not forget that the design requires periodic correction and replacement, so visits to the doctor must be included in the total cost. You should also take into account other factors that affect the price, for example, the level of pediatric dentistry and the qualifications of specialists. In any case, you shouldn’t go after cheapness; the cost of dental plates for children should not be too low - the child’s health is more expensive.

Reviews of plates for teeth straightening

Looking through the reviews from parents, it can be noted that they are all positive. Children quickly get used to wearing the equipment. All dental defects are corrected quickly. It cannot be said that for all children the operation with the installation of plates is completely painless, but if everything is chosen correctly, the inconvenience quickly passes.

Dentists also respond well to the plates. Some believe that in adults, correcting defects with plates is even more convenient. For them, this is done even longer, once, but in children, as the jaw grows, the correction plates need to be changed.

Summing up

Children's teeth are not only a cheerful smile. It is also an important link in the digestive tract. Depending on the quality of chewing food, the further process of digestion also depends. Disease of the teeth and gums often leads to inflammation of other organs. It is necessary to monitor the condition of a child’s teeth from a very early age. Replacing baby teeth with permanent ones should be natural. Often, an extracted baby tooth causes the molar to erupt in the wrong place, and as a result, the need for orthodontic treatment with plates or braces. Doctors say: “It is better to prevent a disease than to treat it.”

The appearance of malocclusion or crooked teeth must be corrected as early as possible. To identify abnormalities in a timely manner, it is recommended to bring your child for examination to the dentist at least twice a year, starting from the age of one.

Parents should ensure that their child learns to brush his teeth well as early as possible and help him do it correctly.

Periodically examine his oral cavity and if you notice a brown or white spot on his teeth, immediately contact a dentist. Currently, doctors have completely painless ways to treat caries.

Conclusions. Expert advice

The vestibular plate is a simple and effective method for correcting malocclusion and speech problems at an early age. It helps get rid of the following problems:

• mouth breathing and poor development of nasal breathing;
• low tone of the orbicularis oris and lingual muscles;
• speech defects, infantile type of swallowing, incorrect development of the jaws.

Wearing the product helps stimulate natural self-regulation processes, so the capabilities of the plates are limited. But choosing one of the modifications will help expand them. The following types of records exist:

• standard,
• with damper,
• with a bead,
• with a visor.

Each has additional capabilities and specifics. For example, a model with a bead is recommended mainly by speech therapists, and a plate with a visor is recommended to be worn for abnormalities in the development of the jaws.

You should not buy vestibular plates for children without a doctor’s recommendation. It is better to visit an orthodontist so that he can confirm the need for the product and that it will not cause harm. Also, be sure to keep the product clean: wash it regularly and treat it with an antibacterial agent.