How do braces work

How Do Braces Work?

Braces are used when a person has an incorrect bite or perhaps malformed teeth that need to be corrected by straightening them. Braces consist of three different parts, including the arch wire which holds the brackets in place with miniature rubber bands, the brackets which are attached to the teeth an the third part, which is known as the bonding.

These parts all help straighten the teeth and guide them into correct positions to eliminate gaps between the teeth or improve the subject's bite. As the arch wire applies force to the brackets, the brackets spread the pressure over the surface of each tooth, encouraging the tooth to shift and grow into the correct position by loosening from the gum and regrowing the formative root to properly support the new position. Braces are mostly used for two to two and a half years and are adjusted every few weeks. Correcting tooth positions must be done slowly to avoid damaging the subjects teeth.

Other Necessary Equipment

Dentists will sometimes employ rubber bands to help apply the required direction of force to certain teeth. Occasionally, headgear is needed to hold certain teeth still while others are free to move. This will allow the teeth to straighten and align themselves in a correct fashion for a comfortable bite.

In order to keep the teeth in the correct positions after braces are taken off, a retainer must be worn. This allows the new bone to grow in the right places to fully support the positions of the teeth.

How Long do Braces Take to Work?

The necessary period of time a patient will have to wear braces varies widely between people. Typically, it will take between eighteen and thirty months (one and a half to two and a half years) for braces to complete their task. The complexity of the process will also differ between individuals, depending on many influences and factors, as each person's body will react differently to the treatment regime. For some people, their teeth will only need to be corrected slightly, while others will need extensive treatment to correct serious dental problems.