How Braces Move Your Teeth
Braces can oftentimes seem like a miracle. Your imperfect teeth become perfect after a little time and patience, and it’s all due to these magical wonders. Braces aren’t really magic, it’s all science, but how braces move teeth is incredible. Patients go from having alignment issues, bite problems and other orthodontic issues to having no issues at all. So, how do they work? Let’s find out.
How Braces Work
Braces consist of brackets, which are attached to the teeth, and wires, which are held in place by bands attached to the brackets. During the course of orthodontic treatment, your brackets will stay in place as your wires are replaced and manipulated, so that they can guide the teeth to where they need to be. As treatment progresses, your wires will become more firm and thicker as they continue on their mission to straighten your teeth.
You see, our teeth are bones that can be guided into proper positioning with a little help from some gentle pressure being applied to them. As your orthodontist changes out your wires, you’ll see your ideal smile start to take shape. As this gentle pressure is applied, your teeth and connective tissue will slowly shift to where they need to be, resulting in that perfect smile.
Who Needs Braces?
Orthodontic treatment is recommended for patients who are experiencing issues with the alignment of their teeth and/or their bite. Braces are recommended to correct the following issues:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Spacing problems
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
Over a period of time, braces won’t just give you a spectacular smile, they can also eliminate issues like eating trouble, speech problems and discomfort.
Life with Braces
When you’re the proud owner of a set of braces, you can expect to take on new responsibilities and duties, so you can get the most out of your treatment and maintain that perfect smile for life. First of all, be mindful of the foods that you eat, as some problem foods can damage your braces, causing more visits to the orthodontist and sometimes longer treatment times.
Second, oral hygiene is imperative at all times, but especially when you have braces. This is because now there are more places for bacteria to hide. If you’re not brushing and flossing properly and using a quality mouthwash, you run the risk of problems like tooth decay.
Finally, the steps you take after treatment is over are crucial. Listen to your orthodontist on proper maintenance once your braces have come off, so you can keep your perfect smile. Wear your retainer and keep up those oral hygiene habits.
The Science Behind Braces
It seems rather simple, but the science behind braces is quite complex. Since everyone is different, orthodontists must craft a unique treatment plan for each patient. This means what works for one patient may not work for the patient sitting next to them in the office. Designing a plan tailored to each patient is an integral part of the field of orthodontics. So, think about the important job braces have the next time you are considering correcting your smile for good. You’ll be glad you did.
Crescent Orthodontics is ready to help you wow the crowd with a perfect smile! Call today to get started.