Orthodontic braces are dental devices used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. They work by applying constant pressure to teeth over time, gradually moving them into their desired positions. This process helps improve bite function, aesthetics, and overall oral health, enhancing a person's smile and dental well-being.
Braces are a great way to improve your smile and prevent many dental problems affecting your health and confidence. Many people are curious about how braces work and what they can do for their teeth. Our orthodontist pros have written a simple explanation of the entire process from start to finish.
How do braces move teeth?
Braces apply constant pressure on your teeth and jaws to move them into the right position. The braces consist of small brackets attached to your teeth with a special glue. The brackets hold a thin wire, called an archwire, that puts pressure on your teeth. Your orthodontist adjusts the archwire regularly to guide your teeth to their ideal place.
Your teeth are surrounded by soft tissue and bone, called periodontal ligaments. These ligaments hold your teeth in place and can stretch or compress as your teeth move. For example, when braces move a tooth to the right, the ligament on the right side gets shorter, and the bone on the left side grows to fill the space.
the components used in braces
What is the purpose of the archwire?
An orthodontic archwire is a fundamental component of braces, playing a crucial role in straightening and aligning teeth. These wires are typically made of materials like stainless steel, nickel-titanium, or other alloys with unique properties that allow them to guide tooth movement effectively. The archwire is carefully shaped and inserted into the brackets attached to the teeth. It exerts pressure on the brackets and initiates a controlled force that encourages tooth movement.
The archwire's ability to work lies in its flexibility and resistance to deformation. When placed in the brackets, it creates tension and pressure on the teeth. Over time, as the wire attempts to return to its original, pre-bent shape, it gently guides the teeth into their desired positions. Orthodontists may periodically adjust the archwire during follow-up appointments by replacing it with a thicker or more rigid wire to exert greater pressure for more complex movements or gradually bending the wire to fine-tune the tooth alignment. This continues until the teeth are correctly positioned, resulting in a straighter, more aligned smile. The archwire is a crucial element in the orthodontic treatment process, providing the necessary force to facilitate effective and precise tooth movement.
braces help with overcrowding teeth
Overcrowding happens when your jaw is too small for your teeth, or your teeth are too big for your jaw. This can cause your teeth to overlap, twist, or stick out. Braces can fix overcrowding by moving your teeth back, forward, or sideways to create enough space for them to fit properly.
Some younger patients with overcrowding may benefit from a device called an expander, which widens the upper jaw to make more room for the teeth. The expander is attached to the upper molars and has a screw that is turned every day to increase the size of the jaw gradually. The expander works best before the upper jaw bones fuse, usually around age 14.
If the expander is not an option, or if there is not enough space in the lower jaw, some patients may need to have some teeth removed to make room for the others. This is called tooth extraction and is usually done for the premolars, the teeth next to the canines. Your orthodontist will discuss all the options with you and help you decide what is best for your case.
braces Correct an overbite
An overbite is when your upper front teeth cover too much of your lower front teeth when you bite down. An overjet is when your upper front teeth stick out too far from your lower front teeth. Both conditions can affect your appearance, speech, chewing, and oral hygiene. Braces can correct an overbite or an overjet by moving both the upper and/or lower teeth.
To treat an overbite, your orthodontist may move your upper front teeth up, your lower front teeth down, or both. This will reduce the vertical overlap of your teeth and create a more balanced bite. Another option is to move your lower back teeth up to make your lower jaw open slightly more. This will also reduce the vertical overlap of your teeth.
To treat an overjet, your orthodontist may move your upper front teeth back, your lower front teeth forward, or both. This will reduce the horizontal gap between your teeth and create a more harmonious smile. Sometimes, an overjet is caused by a small lower jaw or a large upper jaw. You may need additional treatment, such as surgery or appliances, to correct the jaw discrepancy in these cases.
braces are used for fixing an underbite
Orthodontic braces are an effective solution for correcting an underbite, a condition where the lower front teeth protrude past the upper front teeth when the jaws are closed. To address this issue, orthodontists gradually use braces to shift the misaligned teeth and jaws into proper alignment.
This process typically begins with a comprehensive examination and treatment plan. In the case of an underbite, the goal is to bring the lower teeth back and the upper teeth forward. Over time, the braces stimulate bone remodelling, allowing the teeth and jaw to adjust to their new positions.
Treatment duration varies but may span several months to a few years. Periodic adjustments and check-ups with the orthodontist ensure that the underbite is gradually corrected. Ultimately, orthodontic braces can transform a patient's bite, facial profile, and overall oral health, providing aesthetic benefits and improved function and comfort.
braces help with crossbites
Orthodontic braces are highly effective in correcting a crossbite, a common dental misalignment issue where the upper and lower teeth do not correctly align horizontally. Braces are used to guide the affected teeth into their ideal positions. This involves carefully repositioning the upper or lower teeth (or both) to ensure they fit together correctly when the jaws are closed. The treatment plan is customised to each patient, considering the severity of the crossbite and the patient's unique dental anatomy.
Over time, as the braces continue to exert pressure on the teeth, the bones in the jaw adapt, allowing for the correction of the crossbite. Depending on the case's complexity, the process can take several months to a few years.
Regular follow-up appointments with the orthodontist are essential during the treatment period to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the braces. Once the treatment is complete, the patient wears a retainer to maintain the corrected alignment and prevent the crossbite from reoccurring. Orthodontic braces are a reliable and time-tested method for addressing crossbites, ultimately enhancing the function and aesthetics of a person's smile and bite.
Orthodontist's use braces to fix gaps in your teeth
Orthodontic braces are a proven and effective solution for fixing gaps in teeth, also known as diastemas. These gaps can occur for various reasons, including genetic factors, irregular tooth size, or habits like thumb-sucking. Braces apply consistent and gentle pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them into their desired positions to close the gaps.
In the case of tooth gaps, braces encourage the teeth to shift, closing the gap in a controlled and predictable manner. The process typically takes several months to a few years, depending on the gap's size.
Once the desired tooth alignment is achieved, a retainer is often recommended to maintain the corrected position and prevent the gaps from reappearing. By gradually and gently moving teeth into the proper alignment, orthodontic braces are a reliable method for addressing gaps and improving function and aesthetics.
braces can reverse an open bite
Orthodontic braces can effectively correct an open bite, a dental misalignment where the upper and lower front teeth do not make contact when the jaws are closed. This condition can result from various factors, including thumb-sucking habits, tongue thrusting, or genetics. Braces work by applying a controlled and consistent force to the teeth to reposition them, ultimately closing the open bite.
In the case of an open bite, braces gradually guide the misaligned teeth into their ideal positions, allowing them to meet correctly when the jaws come together. Over time, the bones in the jaw adapt to this new positioning, correcting the open bite. The treatment duration may vary depending on the severity of the open bite and the individual patient's needs but typically takes several months to a few years.
Regular follow-up appointments with the orthodontist are essential to monitor the progress and make necessary adjustments to the braces. Patients wear retainers after the open bite is corrected to maintain the fixed alignment and prevent the issue from reoccurring. Braces are a well-established approach for addressing open bites.
The Three stages of treatment with braces
Stage 1 - Level and Align | The first stage is to move your teeth to align with each other. Your orthodontist will use different wires and elastics to move your teeth up, down, or across, forming a straight line along the edge of your mouth. |
Stage 2 - Bite Issues | The second stage is to adjust your braces to correct any bite problems - such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. When you bite down, these problems occur when your upper and lower jaws do not fit together properly. Your orthodontist will use different wires, elastics, springs, or other devices to move your jaws and teeth into the right position. If you have any gaps between your teeth, your orthodontist will close them during this stage. |
Stage 3 - Fine Tuning | The final stage is to make minor adjustments and refinements to your teeth and bite. Your orthodontist will use the finest wires and elastics to move your teeth slightly to ensure they are in the best position possible. This stage usually lasts for a few months before your braces are removed. |