How Do Braces Straighten Your Teeth?

Most people are familiar with the use of braces for straightening teeth. However, you may not know exactly how they work. To help you understand more about the process, here is what you need to know.

How Do Braces Straighten Your Teeth?

Many people believe that teeth are directly connected to the jawbone, but the truth is a little more complex. In fact, there is actually a membrane underneath your gums that is surrounded by bone. This membrane is what roots your teeth into your jaw and it controls how your teeth are positioned.

Braces work to straighten your teeth by exerting constant pressure on them for a long period of time. For example, adults with more developed mouths usually have to wear braces for three to four years, and children who are still developing usually wear them for around two years. With this constant pressure, the shape of your jaw gradually changes to adapt, which causes your teeth to move to another position.

How Braces Achieve Movement

There are a few key components of braces that help enable movement.

• Brackets: Brackets are applied to the fronts of teeth using an adhesive, and they make it possible for pressure to be evenly distributed. They are connected to every tooth by wires.
• Archwires: This wire is what connects to your brackets and it is what applies the pressure to your teeth. They are usually made out of copper titanium or nickel titanium.
• Bands: The elastic bands, also called O-rings or ligatures, add pressure on your jaw to help with movement.
• Spacers: Spacers are either metal rings or rubber bands that are placed between molars. These bands push your jaw forward to make more room at the back of your mouth. Not everyone will need these, and they are usually only worn for a week or two.

These are some of the most basic components used with braces, and they are what is responsible for helping to apply the correct amount of pressure to straighten your teeth.

The Best Way To Straighten Your Teeth

At a glance, braces are one of the best ways to correct misaligned teeth and abnormal bite patterns due to their ability to exert pressure upon the teeth and jaw, causing them to move to accommodate the stress. While the process can be a bit uncomfortable at first, the results are well worth it and can help improve both your smile and your oral health.