While a lot of people wear braces, many don't really understands the ins and outs of how they work.
Our team here at Guildford Orthodontics knows that informed patients are more likely to get through their treatment without any hitches.
Today, we’ll share with you exactly how braces work, to help you better understand what’s happening during your treatment.
What do braces do?
As a whole, braces straighten your teeth by applying continuous pressure over an extended period of time, to slowly move them into the correct positions. As your teeth shift, the bone changes shape as a result of the pressure applied.
Braces are made up of a variety of parts, all of which serve specific purposes. The following are the basic parts that make up most sets of braces.
The brackets are the small squares that are bonded to each tooth. These can come in a variety of materials, and can be placed on either the fronts or backs of your teeth. Brackets hold the arch wires, which move the teeth, in place.
Orthodontic bands are made of stainless steel, and function as anchors for the brackets.
Arch wires are attached to the brackets and create the pressure that moves the teeth. These can be clear, tooth-coloured, or metal.
Elastic ties are small rubber rings that fasten the arch wires to the brackets. They come in a wide range of colours.
Elastics or rubber bands attach to hooks on the brackets. These apply pressure to move the upper and lower teeth into the correct positions in relation to each other.