Curious about how braces work to align your teeth? It’s a journey filled with transformations that can also seem complex. This blog post simplifies the world of orthodontics for you. We’ll explain:
- How braces work
- The role of orthodontists
- The changes your teeth undergo
Let’s unravel the mystery of braces together!
What are braces?
Braces are dental appliances commonly used to correct tooth alignment and bite issues. Made up of several components, including brackets, archwires, and elastics, braces apply gentle pressure to the teeth over time, guiding them into proper positions.
Types of braces
Several types of braces are available today, ranging from traditional metal braces to more discreet clear aligners. The choice of braces typically depends on the orthodontic issue, the patient’s lifestyle, and personal preferences.
The science behind how braces move teeth
The role of the orthodontist
Orthodontists are specialists in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting malpositioned teeth and jaws. By utilizing braces, orthodontists can control the direction of tooth movement, correcting orthodontic problems like overcrowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, and more.
The role of braces in tooth movement
Braces move teeth by exploiting the natural ability of the body to remodel bone. When braces apply pressure to a tooth, it forms a pressure area on one side and a tension area on the other. The body responds to this by breaking down bone in the pressure area and building new bone in the tension area, allowing the tooth to shift position.
There are three primary phases in tooth movement with braces:
- Initial phase: Alignment and leveling
- Second phase: Correcting the bite
- Final phase: Detailing and finishing
The timeline for tooth movement with braces
Initial phase: alignment and leveling
During this phase, which typically lasts several months, the braces align the teeth and level the arches, correcting any visible misalignments.
Second phase: correcting the bite
Following alignment, the braces now work to correct the bite. This involves ensuring the upper and lower teeth fit together correctly when the jaws are closed.
Final phase: detailing and finishing
The final phase involves making fine adjustments to ensure the teeth are in their optimal positions. At the end of this phase, the braces are typically ready to be removed.
Living with braces
Maintenance and adjustments
Living with braces requires maintaining good oral hygiene and going for regular adjustments to ensure the braces continue to move the teeth effectively.
Possible discomfort and how to manage it
While braces can cause discomfort, there are several ways to manage it.
These include:
- Using orthodontic wax to cover sharp parts of the braces
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Eating soft foods
