Orthodontic Braces

How do braces straighten crooked teeth?

Braces use constant, gentle pressure, which over time, move teeth into their proper positions. 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.

The bracket is a piece of shaped metal or ceramic that is affixed 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. The wire threads through these 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 jawbone. With pressure on one side from the archwire, the bone on the other side gives way. The tooth moves. New bone grows in behind.
Attached to braces, elastics (rubber bands) exert the proper force, creating just the right amount of pressure to move your teeth. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn consistently and changed daily.

Different Types of Braces

Metal braces are the most popular choice among kids and teenagers. They love personalizing their new look with different colors of ligature ties. Self-ligating metal brackets reduce friction between brackets and wires by eliminating use of ligature ties. Thus, it can reduce total treatment time.

Translucent or clear ceramic braces are more popular with adults. You have to be very close to see the ceramic braces in someone’s mouth. The only drawback to ceramic braces is the material. Ceramic is much more fragile than metal.

New Orthodontic Concepts

Over the last decade, modern technology and a revival of old concepts have intertwined to help people who otherwise might not consider traditional orthodontics. Clear braces use modern CAD/CAM techniques to move teeth using a series of computer designed clear trays. Six month braces uses modern materials with some traditional orthodontic techniques to quickly achieve results.

Straighten Your Teeth And Smile With Confidence Again

Call us: 843-448-5757