Many people believe that getting braces is associated with a noticeable deformity in the shape or structure of the teeth. In reality, only a small number of people don’t need braces due to the prevalence and variety of cases involving misaligned teeth, bite problems, or abnormal gaps between teeth—all of which confirm the need for orthodontic treatment. There are also a set of signs you can observe to know when your teeth start moving after getting braces.
What Are the Optimal Age Stages for Getting Braces?
It is recommended that the first visit to the best orthodontic clinic in Jeddah to determine the need for braces should be around the age of 7. This allows the orthodontist to assess the possibility of correcting any existing dental issues and determine the best time and age for installing braces. Braces can also be an appropriate treatment for children with issues such as delayed tooth eruption or eruption disorders.
For adults, we at Al-Dur Al-Manthour Clinics recommend getting braces if there are any common dental problems. These cases are not limited to misalignment of the teeth there are several issues that may necessitate braces to move the teeth, with methods varying depending on the type of braces used.
Here are some of the most prominent conditions you can notice yourself before consulting the best orthodontist in Jeddah:
1. Crowded Teeth
This is the most common condition requiring teeth movement through braces. It occurs when the jaws are too small to accommodate all the teeth, leading to noticeable misalignment, a lack of gaps between the teeth, and difficulty cleaning them. Fortunately, this condition can be treated with the best possible braces, especially at an early age.
Teeth may become slightly crowded again after children reach puberty, but the issue can be addressed in both children and adults by choosing the best orthodontist for the most precise treatment and the most suitable type of braces for your or your child’s teeth.
The importance of treating this condition lies in the fact that crowded teeth make proper and effective cleaning extremely difficult. Toothbrushes and even dental floss cannot reach the extremely tight spaces between overcrowded teeth. This leads to an accumulation of bacteria and food debris, creating an environment conducive to tooth decay and damage.
2. Excessive Gaps
Unlike crowding, this condition is caused either by the loss of specific teeth or by teeth that are too small for the wide jaw structure, resulting in disproportionate spacing. In such cases, braces help move the teeth by applying tension, reducing the gaps between them to achieve a natural alignment. Gapped teeth are among the conditions that most affect the appearance of the teeth and the overall smile.
3. Protruding Upper Jaw
A protruding upper jaw occurs when the bite is misaligned, and the upper teeth sit significantly ahead of the lower teeth. This condition requires tooth movement for several reasons:
- This improper bite can lead to tooth wear and erosion over time.
- The risk of front teeth breaking due to trauma is much higher than in a normal bite.
Therefore, if you notice an unnatural protrusion of the upper jaw over the lower jaw, you should visit the best orthodontist in Jeddah to confirm whether braces are needed to move the teeth.
4. Reverse Bite
This occurs when the lower teeth cover the upper teeth during a bite. It has similar effects to the previous condition, with one of the most significant impacts being the potential for premature facial aging, as well as difficulties with eating and biting, and tooth wear. By choosing the best braces, this issue can be corrected in young children and adults alike.
5. Crossbite
This is a form of bite misalignment where, in some cases, specific teeth—such as the edges of the front upper teeth—touch the edges of the lower teeth. A crossbite should not be ignored and requires treatment with appropriate braces. This condition can lead to improper jaw growth, severe tooth wear, gum recession around the affected teeth, and even tooth cracking or breaking if left unaddressed. The importance of braces in this case is to control the crossbite before it causes irreversible damage.
6. Open Bite
When you try to close your jaws and a clear gap remains between the teeth, this is called an open bite. This condition can be easily identified without close inspection. It causes difficulties in pronouncing certain sounds and affects the appearance of the teeth and smile, making it an issue that should be treated with braces.
Treatments and Types of Braces We Offer at Al-Durr Al-Manthur Clinics
At Al-Durr Al-Manthur Clinics, we strive to provide the best services and the most suitable types of braces to treat conditions like crowded and overlapping teeth. This is backed by the testimonials of hundreds of patients who have noticed significant improvements in their social, health, and family lives. We also aim to deliver excellent services in the fields of:
- Dental implants and tooth restoration
- Treatment for children’s teeth and individuals with special needs
You can be assured of achieving the most beautiful smile after visiting the best orthodontic clinic in Jeddah, allowing you to enjoy your life and your smile in its new, long-dreamed-of form.
Are There Other Signs Indicating the Need for Tooth Movement After Braces?
There are several symptoms you should watch for that may suggest your teeth need braces to correct their alignment. These signs can be briefly outlined as follows:
- Breathing through the mouth (voluntarily or involuntarily)
- Grinding or clicking sounds from teeth rubbing together during oral functions like eating or speaking
- Frequent biting or scratching of the tongue due to tooth positioning, indicating a misalignment issue
- Thumb-sucking habits in children, with effects intensifying after the age of two
- Early loss or delayed shedding of baby teeth in children
- Bite problems between the upper and lower jaws in individuals of all ages
- Hearing a popping sound from the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth, especially upon waking
- Difficulty cutting or chewing food
When Do Teeth Start Moving After Braces?
We can answer the question, “When do teeth start moving after braces?” Tooth movement doesn’t happen suddenly; rather, it occurs gradually to achieve the best results, ensuring the braces don’t fail or cause any harm.
More specifically, teeth begin to move after braces are installed within the first three months to a year and a half, with continuous adjustments to the appropriate orthodontic device under the supervision of the best orthodontist in Jeddah.
Factors Affecting Tooth Movement After Braces
Several factors can influence tooth movement after braces, including:
1. Patient’s Age:
Age impacts tooth movement to some extent. In childhood, tooth movement is more consistent because children are in a continuous growth phase, and their jawbones are more flexible. Essentially, the younger the patient (within certain limits), the better the results of tooth movement after braces and the overall outcome.
2. Genetic Factors:
Some individuals may have conditions that make tooth movement more challenging or increase the likelihood of treated teeth shifting back to their original positions within the jaw due to genetic factors that vary from person to person.
3. Unhealthy Habits:
Unhealthy habits that can negatively affect braces’ results include tongue thrusting or tampering with orthodontic retainers. Such habits can undesirably prolong the time required to move teeth from their positions after treatment.
4. Gum and Jawbone Health:
Ensuring the gums are healthy and free of diseases or inflammation, as well as the jawbone, before installing braces is crucial for natural tooth movement. Diseased gums or jaws resulting from poor oral care can lead to adverse outcomes from braces.
5. Commitment to Wearing Retainers:
After braces are removed, the orthodontist emphasizes the importance of wearing retainers to maintain the teeth in their new positions.
What Types of Braces Can Be Used to Benefit from Tooth Movement?
There are several types of braces, and the effectiveness of each type varies depending on the patient’s condition, which also determines when the teeth begin to move after braces are installed. Braces first appeared over 100 years ago, and with advancements in science today, we now have numerous techniques and types that differ in size, materials, and other factors. The most common types of braces include:
Fixed braces and removable braces, which vary as we will see:
1. Metal Braces
These are the most common type among all others. They are the familiar form consisting of a set of fixed brackets connected by a wire. Doctors often resort to this type for orthodontic cases in children. One of the main drawbacks is the need for meticulous oral hygiene to prevent food debris from accumulating between the brackets.
2. Ceramic Braces
Similar to metal braces but more discreet, the brackets are made of ceramic colored to match various shades of teeth, making them less noticeable to onlookers. This option is popular among teenagers and individuals highly concerned with aesthetics.
3. Lingual Braces
This is the least common type and is somewhat complex because the brackets are placed on the back side of the teeth, hidden behind the smile. However, only a small number of orthodontists use this type due to its complexity and unique application method. It has specific uses and can be more effective than others depending on the case, in addition to being completely concealed.
4. Self-Ligating Braces (Damon Braces)
These work similarly to metal or ceramic braces but use a different mechanism for securing the wire and aligning the teeth, making them more adjustable and less bothersome. They are an ideal choice for patients who experience significant discomfort from tightening and adjusting their braces, in addition to their high effectiveness. However, they are more expensive than the previous types.
5. Clear Aligners
Considered the newest type of braces, their components are transparent and do not cause irritation or sensitivity. Despite their high effectiveness and modernity, they are not the preferred choice for all orthodontists, and they may not be available in every orthodontic clinic.
Whether you’re considering getting braces or searching for the best way to correct your smile, you should ensure you visit the best orthodontist in Jeddah or near your area and confirm you’re getting the type of braces suited to your condition. Naturally, braces may feel somewhat bothersome in the initial period, but once the discomfort subsides and treatment is complete, you’ll achieve a perfect smile that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is the Maximum Distance Braces Can Move Teeth?
Although this may depend on the severity of the misaligned teeth and the specific treatment plan designed to correct the issue, braces are typically designed to move the average tooth about four millimeters. Moving teeth beyond this distance may lead to damage to the gums and jaw.
When Do Teeth Stop Moving After Braces?
The duration can extend up to three years of continuous adjustments to move the teeth, during which the doctor uses various types of orthodontic retainers.
How Long Does It Take for Braces to Close Gaps?
Braces usually take less than six months to close gaps. After this period, individuals who have undergone orthodontic treatment can begin to see their teeth aligning properly and beautifully, with the spaces between them disappearing. Retainers help hold the teeth together with the assistance of elastic ties while wearing the appropriate braces.
How Do I Maintain the Results of My Braces?
By following the instructions of your specialist doctor and attending scheduled appointments, you can maintain your braces’ results. Additionally, here are some of the most important guidelines to preserve the outcome of your orthodontic treatment:
- Avoid eating hard or tough foods, and limit starches and sugars.
- Use a toothbrush designed for braces, featuring soft, fine bristles capable of cleaning between teeth and tight spaces.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash to prevent the formation of an environment conducive to bacterial growth, which typically causes tooth decay and gum inflammation.
- Your dentist will provide you with a retainer device, primarily designed to maintain your beautiful smile after successful orthodontic treatment. It should be worn as instructed and is usually made of plastic or rubber.