In the US, one-third of orthodontic patients are over the age of 18. This means you can reap the benefits of straighter teeth, no matter how old you are.
Straight teeth don’t only look nice, though; they’re also easier to clean. By contrast, severe misalignments can raise your risks of tooth decay and gum disease.
That’s enough reason to consider getting dental braces if you have misaligned teeth.
However, it pays to know more about how braces work so that you can get an idea of what to expect during the treatment. We’ll discuss the basics in this guide, so be sure to read on.
How Braces Work To Correct Teeth Alignment
Dental braces work by exerting gradual pressure on the teeth and the bones that support them. The force from the braces causes each tooth root to press against its supporting bone. This then results in a small portion of the bone beside each tooth breaking down.
That bone breakdown creates space for each tooth to move into. As the tooth moves in that space, the adjacent tooth moves into the vacated area. If no tooth moves into that empty spot, new bone grows within it.
Over time, the braced teeth will move toward more desirable locations. The teeth will be straighter and properly aligned at the end of the treatment.
How long the treatment takes depends on the severity of the misalignment. Reviews of studies found that the mean treatment time of fixed braces was 19.9 months. In some cases, it only took 14 months, while others took up to 33 months.
The Components of Traditional Dental Braces
Traditional braces rely on metal brackets and archwires to tip and torque the teeth. Tipping is the process in which the crown or the root of the tooth tilt to the side. Torque is the controlled force that enables the teeth to move in the first place.
In traditional metal braces, elastic bands secure the archwire to the brackets. Also known as ligatures, the bands help ensure the braces exert enough pressure on the teeth.
Because it has many parts, traditional braces need adjustments at least once a month. An orthodontist needs to change the elastic bands, which lose their tension over time. This ensures the brackets and wires keep exerting enough pressure to move the teeth.
Self-Litigating Braces vs. Traditional Braces
Self-litigating braces move the teeth the same way traditional braces do. These orthodontic devices also consist of metal brackets and archwires. The key difference is that the brackets have a self-sliding gate that secures the wire in place.
That self-sliding mechanism eliminates the need for ligatures. As a result, you may have to see your dentist less frequently. It also leads to fewer emergency trips to the orthodontist, as there are no elastic bands that may break.
So then, what is the best type of orthodontic treatment, and which one should you get? The best way to determine this is to see a local orthodontist who offers free consultations. The specialist will discuss all your viable treatment options during your appointment.
Start Dazzling Everyone With Your Healthy Smile
There you have it, your basic guide on how braces work to correct teeth misalignment. Now, you know that orthodontic devices rely on force and pressure to move your teeth. They’re effective, but they can still take quite some time to provide results.
As such, the sooner you start your treatment, the sooner you can get a healthier, straighter smile.
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