How Do Braces Really Work?

Having a painful bite or crooked teeth can result in untold discomfort, which distracts sufferers from enjoying their daily lives. Braces have long been the solution to these issues due to their success rate in correcting misaligned teeth. Recent developments have seen great improvements in brace technology, with traditional metallic braces often transforming into invisible and comfortable aligners. With the help of an experienced orthodontist, you too can let braces work their magic to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. But how do braces really work? It might seem like the result of a simple ‘abracadabra!’, but really, braces work because of tested scientific methods that are adapted to your individual needs.

Parts of braces

Braces are comprised of various parts to enhance teeth alignment. These parts include:

– Brackets: These are metal or ceramic and are glued to each tooth, making up the main part of your braces. They act as building blocks to ensure the smooth readjustment of your teeth.

– Archwire: The archwire connects the individual brackets by going through the slots. Archwires are essential in moving teeth up and down or from one side to another. The wire allows for various types of movements and degrees of pressure to the required parts of the teeth.

– Elastics: Fitted around some brackets, elastics increase pressure on required areas. They also help to connect the brackets with the archwire.

– Spacers: These are essential in creating enough space between teeth for the elastic bands to fit properly.

Applying pressure to the teeth

The whole point of braces is to apply pressure to the teeth so that they can be moved into position. The archwire does the most work, but the other parts let it do its job by holding everything in place. If your teeth need a lot of work, then more pressure is required, meaning the archwire may need the assistance of additional rubber bands.

Remodeling the bone

Besides straightening the teeth, braces really work to help strengthen the teeth as well. The pressure applied by braces enhances the development of new cells that create better bone density. Not only will your smile look great, but it will be around for many years to come!

Don’t suffer with crooked teeth when braces are such an effective solution to your problem. Talk to our team at Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics, located in Inlet Beach and Destin and happily serving clients in Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Freeport, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Panama City Beach, and Panama City. Contact us today to book an appointment.