When you have crooked teeth, misalignments, and over or underbites, you may seek orthodontic care to correct these issues. Often, braces are the prescribed method of treatment. When braces are your option, there are things to consider like what kind of methods and appliances will be used. So how exactly does all that metal work to correct your teeth placement safely?
In short, braces apply even, consistent pressure over a set period of time to move teeth where they need to go. As your teeth move, the bone structure changes shape as the pressure is applied. Braces are comprised of several components:
Brackets: Brackets are the most iconic part of braces. They are the trademark square pieces that are bonded onto your teeth. These are used to act as handles to hold the wires moving your teeth. Brackets come in a few different styles including the stainless steel, as well as ceramic and plastic which are a bit less obvious. Sometimes brackets are even affixed to the backside of teeth to hide them completely.
Bands: These are stainless steel, clear, or tooth colored materials, that are then cemented to teeth with dental bonding agents. These wrap around the teeth giving the brackets something to anchor to. Not every patient gets bands, some only have brackets.
Spacers and Separators: These pieces are fitted between teeth to create small spaces to assist in the placement of orthodontic gear.
Arch Wires: These wires attach to the brackets and act as tracks to help guide tooth movement. These can also be metal, clear, or tooth colored.
Ties: These small rubber rings or fine wires attach to the brackets to fasten the arch wires in safely.
Ligatures: Ligatures hold arch wires to the brackets.
Springs: These can be placed on arch wires between brackets to help create space or close spaces between teeth.
Rubber Bands and Elastics: These are attached to hooks on the brackets and are worn in various configurations to help apply pressure to move teeth. They are used to improve the bite or how your teeth come together.
How long each patient should wear braces will vary based on multiple factors, however typical braces treatment takes between one and three years. Once treatment is complete, retainers are prescribed to maintain the new tooth position. Combined with a variation of the above appliances, your teeth will be looking nice and straight. If you ever have any questions or concerns about how a method works, feel free to ask Drs. Savage, Sabol or Visser specific questions on how each component of your treatment plan will work.
