How Braces Perform Teeth Straightening

Braces are the method of choice when it comes to teeth straightening or alignment treatment. Mainly, braces work by exerting a gentle and continuous pressure on the teeth that enable the teeth to shift into position. Braces are available in different types such as removable and fixed braces. Fixed braces have various components including brackets, wires, elastic bands and springs. This blog explains how a brace works to straighten your teeth and correct their alignment. So if you’re interested in this type of treatment then keep reading.

1. Brackets

This is a small carefully constructed square made of metal, ceramic or plastic that is attached to front surface of every tooth. The bracket holds the archwire firmly in place with the aid of elastic bands that are placed over the archwire and around the four corners of each bracket. This combination of the brackets, archwire and elastics allow the teeth to be moved and guided into the planned position resulting in perfect teeth and bite alignment.

2. Archwires

The wires used for teeth straightening are of various dimensions and strengths and made of metal alloys. The wires slot into the brackets and extend all the way round the whole dental arch. They exert the necessary amount of force and shift the teeth into their planned position. 

3. Bands

In some cases, metal stainless steel rings need to place on back molars to provide stability and anchor to the archwire. However, in the majority of cases small tubes are attached to the molar teeth and bands are therefore avoided.

4. Elastic Bands

If needed, your orthodontist will advise you to wear elastic bands between the upper and lower braces. This can provide extra pressure and force to shift the teeth into the desired position. In some cases, elastic bands accelerate the treatment allowing you to achieve the result in a shorter span of time.

5. Ligatures and springs

Ligatures are thin stainless steel wires that help to hold the teeth in position on the archwire in certain cases. Springs are threaded through the wire and used to actively open spaces for crowded teeth.

6. Wires

If archwires were not placed in the brackets then the teeth would not actively move at all. They are available in different sizes, shapes and they are made of various metal alloys such as nickel titanium and stainless steel. The various wires allow for different forces and different types of tooth movement for teeth straightening.

7. Adjustments

Adjustments comprise of regular appointments with your orthodontist every 6-8 weeks. This allows the orthodontist to monitor the tooth movements and ensure that the tooth movements are progressing as planned. During the appointments, orthodontist will tighten or replace the archwires and replace the elastic bands. Any other necessary adjustments will also take palce at these appointments to ensure that your tooth movement is progressing as required to achieve the desired outcome in the end of orthodontic treatment.

8. Retainers

Once the active phase of treatment is over, your orthodontist will recommend retainers to hold the teeth and bite in the new aligned position. Retainers can be fixed to the inner surface of the top and bottom front teeth and can also be removable for nightly wear. Your orthodontist will advise you regarding the type of retainers that would be ideal in your case.

9. Cooperation

Brace treatment requires excellent patient compliance in order to ensure that the brace remains intact and clean. Avoiding hard, chewy, nutty foods will limit breakages. Regular professional hygiene appointments are recommended every 4 months as well as attending all appointments with the orthodontist.

10. Time Frame

Depending on the complexity of the condition, your orthodontist will determine the time frame you need in braces. However, an average treatment time period is 12-18 months.

Conclusion

Braces are highly effective in straightening and improving teeth and bite alignment. They perform remarkably by exerting a gentle yet continuous pressure on the teeth that in time results in full alignment of the teeth and bite.