When teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, braces are often used as orthodontic therapy. Metal brackets are bonded to the teeth, and then the teeth are progressively moved into place using wires and elastic bands. Although getting braces may appear to be a complicated procedure at first, it’s quite easy. Let’s take a detailed look at how do braces work.
The Basics of Braces
Brackets, archwires, and ligatures are all components of an orthodontic procedure known as braces, which work together to gradually shift teeth into place by applying pressure in small, consistent increments. Have you been looking for a quick and easy way to improve the appearance of your teeth? If you live in or around Boston, you may have your teeth straightened in as little as six months with the aid of Boston Braces. Here’s a closer look at each of these components:
Brackets
Brackets are tiny pieces of metal or ceramic that are glued to the front of each tooth. The archwires used to shift the molars are attached to these. Many different materials, including stainless steel, ceramic, and plastic, can be used to create brackets of varying sizes and forms.
Archwires
Archwires are the main means of exerting force on the teeth, and they do this by being threaded through the brackets despite their thinness and flexibility. To endure the pressures of chewing and talking, they are typically crafted from a special metal alloy. The orthodontist will occasionally adjust the archwire to ensure that the teeth are being subjected to the necessary force.
Ligatures
The archwire in your braces stays put thanks to the ligatures, which are tiny rubber bands. Patients can select the color they favor from among several options. At each adjustment appointment, which happens every four to six weeks, the ligatures are replaced.
Springs and coils
Small springs and coils may be used in conjunction with archwires and ligatures to assist in the repositioning of teeth. These tools are inserted between braces to apply extra pressure and move teeth. Different sizes and forms of springs and coils allow the orthodontist to exert the necessary force on the teeth.
Types of Braces
Metal Braces
Metal braces have been used for many years and are by far the most prevalent form of braces. These braces are the most noticeable because of their material, high-quality stainless steel. Small metal brackets are used to affix the braces to each individual tooth with the help of dental adhesive. After the brackets are attached, an archwire is passed through them and secured with ligatures. Metal braces may stand out more than other types of orthodontic appliances, but they also last longer and do a better job of restoring proper alignment.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are an alternative to metal braces because they are less noticeable because of their translucent or tooth-colored construction. This makes them a great option for patients who want a more covert orthodontic therapy than traditional metal braces provide. Ceramic, plastic, and composite materials are all viable options for the supports used in ceramic braces. The archwire and ligatures used with ceramic braces are also typically constructed of tooth-colored material. Ceramic braces are less obvious than metal braces, but they may cost more and need changes more often.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are identical to traditional metal braces, except that they are affixed to the back of the teeth. This makes them a great option for patients who want to undergo orthodontic therapy without drawing attention to themselves. Lingual braces, which are placed behind the teeth, are trickier to keep clean and can be more painful than other kinds of braces. Furthermore, the cost is higher than that of conventional metal supports.
Invisalign
To straighten teeth, Invisalign makes use of a series of transparent, detachable aligners. About Invisalign aligners, in contrast to traditional braces, can be removed for dining and cleaning, making them nearly invisible. People of all ages, from working professionals to teenagers, can benefit from Invisalign’s virtually invisible aligners. Patients wear their aligners for about two weeks before switching to a new pair, which are made specifically for them using 3D computer imaging technology. Although Invisalign is a more comfortable alternative to braces, it may not be as successful at fixing more serious orthodontic problems.
How Do Brackets Realign Teeth?
Application of force
Applying force to the teeth is the first stage in tooth movement with braces. Typically, this tension is applied to the archwire, which then transfers to the teeth via the brackets and ligatures. The teeth start to move in the direction of the force as soon as it is released. The force used to move teeth during orthodontic therapy varies with the degree of misalignment and the treatment’s progression.
Bone Remodeling
When you shift your teeth, the bone around them changes shape. Bone is lost on the side of the molar being moved, while new bone is formed on the unaffected side during this procedure. This makes it possible for the tooth to shift into place without causing any harm to the bone around it. Bone remodeling is affected by many factors, including age, genetics, and the type of orthodontic treatment being used, and can take several months.
Anchorage
It is essential to monitor the teeth’s movement and correct any unintended deviations. An anchorage system is used by orthodontists to prevent this from happening, by keeping certain teeth in position while others are moved. Anchors, which are tiny appliances cemented onto the teeth, are commonly used to accomplish this. Bands, mini-implants, and adhesives are just a few of the options for securing an anchor to the molars.
Bottom Line
The majority of patients can get great outcomes with minimal discomfort and complications from braces by paying close attention to oral hygiene and scheduling frequent visits to the orthodontist. If you’re thinking about getting braces, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a dentist to discuss your options and get the care and attention you deserve.
