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| How Braces Do What They Do |
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What braces do is really quite simple. They move teeth from where they are to where they ought to be. Everybody knows that. But exactly how does the typical collection of metal and plastic pieces that we call "braces" turn an overbite into an ideal bite? To do that and to do it well takes considerable orthodontic know how and more than a touch of engineering art.
Start By Moving Your Teeth
Braces rely on two forces to perform their magic: pressure and time. All braces apply gentle, steady pressure over an extended period of time to gradually nudge teeth into place.
Next Create Some Wiggle Room
Try to picture the way your teeth are firmly anchored inside your jaw. Constant pressure applied to one side of the jaw will eventually cause the bone on the other side to give way a bit. Once orthodontists achieve this wiggle room, the teeth can be guided through the soft bone into their proper positions.
Braces handle both tasks. They turn teeth into moveable objects and then lead them where they’re supposed to go.
How They Work Their Magic
Most braces include the same basic parts. Brackets, or the more infrequently used bands, let the doctor literally get a grip on your teeth. Past braces relied exclusively on bands – rings of metal wrapped snugly around each tooth. Today, bands are typically used only on the back molars. The remaining teeth are outfitted with brackets. Brackets are specially shaped metal or ceramic pieces bonded to each tooth. Each bracket has a small horizontal groove into which an archwire fits.
Archwires are the thin, metal wires that course from tooth to tooth. They apply the needed pressure and serve as guides for moving teeth into the desired position. Think of wires as the train tracks along which your teeth will travel.
Archwires come in different widths and tensile strengths. Your orthodontist will choose the type you need and carefully shape it before threading it through the brackets. Tie wires, or little plastic O rings, are then slipped on to keep the wires in place.
Because archwire is designed to try to revert to its original shape, it gradually pushes against its restraints. As it pushes, it gently moves the teeth along with it towards the shape of the wire. When you first get fitted, light, flexible wires will exert a relatively low pressure. Eventually, you’ll work up to stiffer wire shaped to match your ideal bite.
Some braces also have little hooks attached to the top and bottom. Elastic bands are often looped tightly over these hooks. Odd as it may seem, the simple rubber band is a powerful orthodontic aid. Bands create more pressure on the teeth, and can considerably speed up their movement.
Periodically – once a month or so – your braces will need to be adjusted. Your orthodontist will check your progress and adjust the size and shape of the archwire. Each time the wires are moved, your teeth are closer to where they should be. Eventually, they’ll be exactly where you want them to be... forming that attractive, healthy smile.
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