How do braces work?

Braces can produce amazing results for patients who are concerned about their aesthetic beauty and oral health. Nowadays, it has been observed that people are very interested in learning the biomechanics of braces so that they can better understand how braces align their teeth when they are undergoing treatment. Accordingly, the instructions are to be followed and used to be with them. So now we are going to understand this process.

While many people are familiar with braces, understanding how braces work on a mechanical and scientific level can provide valuable insight into the teeth-straightening process. In this article, we’ll delve into the components of braces and the scientific principles behind their effectiveness.

How do braces work?

And the way orthodontic braces work is that constant pressure is applied to the jaw and teeth, causing the teeth to change position and give you a new smile, and a wire is attached to the teeth. which secure the brackets, which in turn exert pressure on the crooked teeth and straighten them. With time, they settle into their desired positions.

After knowing how braces work, we also know how teeth work in our mouth, how they are formed, and how the visible part of the tooth is surrounded by gum tissue called gingiva. while the lower part of the tooth that is inside the gum is called the periodontal membrane or ligament.

As soon as pressure is applied to the teeth, the periodontal membrane expands to one side and shrinks from the other side, resulting in the tooth becoming very loose, and then a new bone is formed to support the tooth. This process is called bone remodeling. And this is where the process of straightening the crooked teeth takes place.

How do braces work? Which issues are typically resolved first?

For most patients, the treatment is divided into three phases.

Level and alignment

The first step is to correct the position of the teeth by moving them so that your teeth align with the jaw. Then some teeth move up and down and may need to be moved to keep the edges aligned.

Bite Adjustments

The second step involves adjusting the braces to correct the bite problems, so that if a patient has an underbite, overbite, or crossbite, it is eliminated, and if they have gaps between their teeth, they are also adjusted at this stage. That is why the patient does not have any problem chewing food, and his smile also improves.

Fine-Tuning

During the last few months of treatment, fine-tuning and final finishing will be done. Feedback is taken from the patient before the braces are removed, and if there are any further adjustments to be made, they can be done before the braces are removed so that all the teeth are in the best position as per their expectations.

When will you start to see results?

Orthodontic braces apply gradual pressure to the teeth. This does not mean that the teeth will move or become weak every day, but patients may experience mild pain in the teeth for a few days after the first visit as they do not get used to the new pressure they are being subjected to. These may be problems, but after a few days, when you get used to them, the pain will go away automatically. All you have to do is be careful with your eating and brushing until your next appointment. and discuss any issues you face with your orthodontist at your next appointment.

Every orthodontic case is different. Some patients with only minor orthodontic issues can wear braces for at least six months to a year, and other patients who have multiple orthodontic issues such as overbiting, crowding, spacing, etc. Patients with these complications may need to wear braces for two to three years.

Breaking Down Braces

Braces basically consist of three components, which include brackets, archwires, ligatures, or clips. These basic components play a very important role in moving the teeth into their desired position.

1. Brackets

Brackets are small metal parts that are attached to the teeth with the help of composites. They come in different designs, and orthodontists choose them according to the individual needs and requirements of the patient.  Once attached to the teeth, it supports the remaining components of the braces, which puts pressure on the teeth and moves the teeth in the right direction.

2. Arch Wires

Archwires are spring wires designed to guide teeth into their desired positions. These are attached to the brackets, which gradually apply pressure to the teeth to align them. Orthodontists use thin wires to apply minimal force at the beginning of treatment and then gradually move from flexible wires to thicker and stiffer wires to straighten the teeth.

3. Ligatures or Clips

The ligatures come in a variety of colors, secure the archwire to the brackets to help maintain constant pressure on the teeth, and are changed at each visit. The patient can choose any color of his choice. However, ligatures are used on metal braces, and while self-ligating braces do not need them, they secure the wire without additional elastics.

The Science Behind Braces

Considering the growing need for orthodontic treatment, understanding the scientific and natural principles behind braces can shed light on how they achieve their goal of straightening teeth. However, the movement of the teeth involves an important role for force and biological processes.

1. Bone remodeling

The roots of our teeth are surrounded by bone, and when external pressure is applied to the teeth through braces, the bone cells are reshaped, allowing the teeth to move more easily.  With the pressure exerted by the braces, the bone on one side of the tooth begins to dissolve while new bone is formed on the other side, which locks the tooth into its desired position.

2. Cellular Response

Brackets and archwires apply pressure to the teeth, causing tissue and bone to regenerate, gradually moving the teeth in the desired direction. In addition, the surrounding tissues, such as periodontal ligaments and gums, also contribute to the changes caused by wear.

Conclusion

Understanding how braces work requires an understanding of the mechanical and scientific principles involved, as well as the components of braces and the process of bone regeneration. All types of braces hold the teeth in their expected position. However, by understanding these concepts, the patient will be able to better understand the orthodontic treatment and care about his oral hygiene and the effects on the teeth during the treatment, and the patient will be able to give others a good impression of the orthodontic treatment.

So now that you know how braces work, if you have any questions about orthodontic treatment, let us know, and we will help you comprehensively. Contact Us now.