Dental braces are a great way to correct misaligned teeth and crowded mouths. The most common age group for getting these types of treatments is during adolescence, but more adults than ever before have been going in after their teens with complaints about crooked or misshapen chompers.
Braces are a way to straighten your teeth that requires the use of metal or ceramic braces, wires and bonding material. Orthodontists typically recommend this type of treatment for misaligned chompers as they specialize in helping correct any issues with oral alignment through various techniques like appliances.
Braces are an effective way to correct misaligned teeth and improve the smile. Brace success rates vary depending on how old you were when treatment began as well as what your goals for braces are, but most people find them very useful if they follow instructions carefully from their orthodontist.
How Braces Work
Braces are used to move your teeth by exerting constant pressure on them for extended periods of time. The shape of the jaw gradually adapts in order to accommodate this force, and you won’t even notice it happening.
You might not know this, but your teeth are connected to the bone of your jaw. Underneath that membrane is where they’re rooted in place and when you get braces put on with elastics or wire things, they can move around because of the pressure.
Getting braces doesn’t hurt during the appointment, and it usually takes around one to two hours for them to be installed. You may experience soreness in your mouth if you have not adjusted well-but this will go away after a week or so.
Bracket Adhesion
After your teeth are cleaned and dried, plastic, stainless steel, or ceramic will be applied to your teeth using glue. Placing the brackets can be a little uncomfortable but it is reassuring that it won’t cause pain.
The brackets will work by ensuring pressure is applied evenly to the teeth. They are connected and surrounded by wires made of nickel titanium, copper titanium, or stainless steel.
Bands
Elastic bands, also referred to as ligatures or O-rings will be placed around the brackets once they are on the teeth. They also add pressure on your jaw. It is also typical of most conventional brace treatments.
Spacers
Spacers are made of metal rings or rubber bands. The orthodontist may place them between the patient’s molars during an appointment. Spacers work by pushing the jaw forward and adding space at the back of the patient’s mouth. While not everyone will need spacers, they are often used for a week or two at a time.
Archwires
Archwires are used to connect the brackets on the patient’s teeth. Archwires are the mechanism by which pressure is applied so the teeth can move into the desired place. Archwires can be made of nickel titanium, copper titanium, or stainless steel.
Buccal Tube
Buccal tubes are metal parts that are attached to one of the molars. The buccal tube works by anchoring the other parts of the braces together at the back of the patient’s mouth. This will allow the orthodontist to tighten or release different parts of the braces.
Springs
At times, coil springs are placed on the archwire of the braces. They apply pressure between the two teeth, press them apart and add space.
Facebow Headgear
The need for headgear is rare. In fact, a facebow headgear is often only worn at night. Headgear is a band that is attached to the braces. It works by placing extra pressure on the teeth when special correction is needed.
