Millions of Americans have worn, or currently are wearing, some type of braces. Still, most people do not have a clear idea of how braces work. Braces are a feat on engineering and their movements are carefully planned by your orthodontist to bring your teeth into alignment.
Before you can understand how braces work, it is important to understand their parts. Braces consist of three basic parts. First, the most visible part of the braces are the brackets. The brackets are the square metal pieces that are adhered to the teeth with dental bond. The wire connects the brackets to one another. Finally, elastic bands called ligatures hold the brackets firmly to the wire. Some types of braces, referred to as self-ligating braces, do not need ligatures.
The basic way in which braces work is that the wire places stress on the brackets, which in turn helps to guide the teeth into a certain position. This movement is sometimes aided by the use of rubber bands to add additional pressure to the teeth. When pressure is applied to the teeth, the gum tissue reacts by stretching to allow teeth to shift. When the tooth moves, the alveolar bone grows in around the new position to support the tooth. This holds the tooth in place permanently when the tooth has reached its final position.
Your dentist plans each movement of the wire and brackets to help guide your teeth into position. These movements can be very accurate, such as when the tooth needs to be moved into a very specific place or into a tighter area between two other teeth. The reason why the treatment time for braces often spans two to three years is because the movements are slow and gradual so as to not cause pain or add undue stress to the bone, gum tissue and tooth roots. In the end, though, your teeth and bite should be well aligned, giving you an even, attractive smile.
If you are considering getting braces to fix your tooth alignment issue, contact your orthodontist. He or she will examine your teeth and bite and help determine which type of braces are best for your needs, as well as develop a treatment plan that is customized for your specific alignment problem. The dentist will then explain the treatment plan, helping to set your expectations for the total time necessary for treatment as well as the cost.
Author Resource:
Our Rocklin orthodontist offers a variety of orthodontic treatment options. This Rocklin braces expert can help find the best course of treatment for you.
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