Braces

How do braces straighten crooked teeth?

Braces use constant, gentle pressure which moves teeth into their proper positions over time. Your braces are at work every moment of your orthodontic treatment. The two main components of your braces are the brackets that are placed on your teeth and the main archwire that connects them. Brackets are pieces of shaped metal or ceramic that we affix to each tooth. The archwire is bent to reflect your “ideal” bite. In other words, it reflects the way we want you to look after treatment. To discuss getting braces in the area, please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment.

The wire threads through the brackets and as the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to move your teeth. Picture your tooth resting in your jaw bone. With pressure on one side from the archwire, the bone on the other side gives way. The tooth moves and the bone adapts to the change in tooth placement.

Attached to your braces, elastics (rubber bands) exert the proper pressure to move teeth into their correct positions. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn all the time and changed every day.

Different Types of Braces

Metal braces are the most popular with kids and teenagers. They love using different colors of ligature ties. These braces are much smaller than ever before.

Self-ligating metal brackets reduce friction between brackets and wires by eliminating the use of ligature ties. Therefore, they can reduce total treatment time.

Translucent ceramic braces are the most popular with adults. You have to be very close to someone to be able to see these braces. But since they are made of ceramic, they are more fragile.