Braces have been used for a long time. Their origin can be traced back to ancient Egypt. They are a common orthodontic appliance these days. However, very few people know “How do braces work?” Let’s discuss how they do their job.
How Quickly Do Teeth Move with Braces?
Braces use steady pressure to move your teeth, but they won’t shift every day. After an adjustment, your teeth might feel sore for a few days as they adjust to the new pressure. Between appointments, the braces keep your teeth in place.
Braces have to move teeth slowly to be comfortable and effective. If they move too fast, it can hurt and harm the roots and bone around your teeth. Teeth need time to shift into the right place and for the bone to adjust.
Everyone’s orthodontic treatment is different! Some people might only need braces for about six months for small changes, while others with more complex issues might need them for up to three years.
How Do Braces Work for Crowded Teeth?
Overcrowding happens when the relationship between your jaw and the dental arch is imbalanced. Some people have small jaws that can’t accommodate all their teeth. Braces help by moving each tooth to create enough space for them to fit properly side by side.
Sometimes, younger patients with overcrowding might need an expander to make their jaw bigger.
If the roof of the mouth has already fused, an expander alone might not work. In that case, small pins can be placed into the roof of the mouth to help with expansion, or a surgeon might need to make incisions on the sides of the upper jaw.
In some cases, removing a tooth might be considered to make more room. Your orthodontist will carefully discuss all the options with you.
What Are Braces Made of?
Braces are made of the following parts. The more severe your case is, the more components will be required.
- Archwire
The archwire is like the main part of the braces. It’s a wire that goes across all your teeth and helps move them. Sometimes, it starts out bendy but might become stiffer later on to push your teeth more. It can be silver or the same color as your teeth. - Brackets
Brackets are small squares stuck to the front of each tooth. They hold the archwire in place. Sometimes, rubber bands can attach to them to help move your teeth. Brackets can be silver, the color of your teeth, or even clear. For lingual braces, the brackets are stuck to the back of your teeth. - Elastic Bands
Elastic bands are tiny rubber bands that connect to the brackets. They give extra help to the braces in moving your teeth. They’re stretched from one jaw to the other and help move individual teeth or groups of teeth. - Metal Bands
Metal bands are like rings that go around the back teeth. They help hold the braces in place and keep the archwire steady. - A-chains
A-chains are strings of rubber that connect to the brackets. They give extra push to the archwire and can speed up treatment. - Retainers
After your braces come off, you still need to wear something to keep your teeth in place. Retainers do that job. They can be fixed in your mouth or removable. You have to use them for a long time to make sure your teeth stay where they should be.
Wrapping Up
Your teeth are harder than steel, so the braces have to exert a great amount of pressure to move them into the desired positions. They work by gently pushing your teeth into new positions, working with your body’s natural growth processes.
Still confused, “How do braces work?”. Visit Dr. Saba Ahmed at Village Park Dentistry. Our doctor has advanced training in orthodontics and Invisalign to resolve your misalignment issues. Call us at (281) 376-4444 to book an appointment.