No matter which corner of the world you get to, you'll see a common orthodontic procedure used to straighten teeth-they can be used by adults, teenagers and children. Although it's quite common across the world in orthodontic practices, not all people know how braces really work. We asked Vancouver orthodontist Dr. Angelina Y. C. Loo what the science behind braces and teeth alignment is.
This article will give you information on how braces work, the components in braces that make teeth straight, and the different reasons that people get braces.
How Do Braces Work?
Braces help align your bite and straighten your teeth.
There are different ways to achieve straight teeth-from traditional metal braces to Invisalign trays. Most orthodontists will have tailored treatment options for each different person, that's because each person's set of teeth are different-from the way they grow to their final place, set in your mouth.
However, one of the most common treatments are traditional braces. These work very simply, using the correct amount of pressure to straighten teeth.
They work with different components-explained below-to straighten your teeth into a suitable position.
Components of Braces
The following are the most common components of braces and their functions:
Brackets: These are the small squares that are placed directly on the front of each tooth. Every bracket keeps the archwire in place to move the teeth.
Brackets come in different material types including stainless steel, plastic or tooth-colored ceramics that some people prefer as they blend well with the teeth.
Orthodontic bands: They wrap around specific teeth-especially the molars-to provide support for the archwire and brackets.
To ensure that they hold, orthodontic bands are cemented to the teeth. Although they are common, these bands are not used by all patients since some may only need brackets.
Archwires: This is the wire that guides the movement of the teeth as it is attached to the brackets. Made of metal, archwires move the teeth in the right direction so that they are aligned.
Ligatures: These are the small rubber bands or rings that tighten the archwires to the brackets. You can either choose colored or clear depending on your preference.
Spacers: These are placed in between your teeth to create space for the orthodontic band to be put in between your teeth.
Elastics: These components are mostly used to correct bite functions. These rubber bands connect the upper and lower teeth by attaching hooks onto the brackets. They put pressure on the teeth that move them to have a perfect fit and a great bite function.
Reasons for Getting Braces
Most people question whether they need to wear braces or not-especially since it is generally such a financial investment.
Braces can help with:
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Correcting an abnormal bite. Braces not only improve your smile but can also help how you bite your food and how your teeth sit on top of each other. A bad bite can cause health issues including broken teeth or pain in the jaw due to the tension created.
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Correcting crooked teeth. Straight teeth not only have cosmetic benefits but also are good for oral health. Crooked teeth might have spaces that hold excess plaque, leading to tooth decay and eventually tooth loss.
If you have crooked teeth, it is best to use braces to straighten them in order to avoid oral health problems such as jaw pain in the future.
Conclusion
Braces are an investment of both time and money but are very important in creating a beautiful smile.
Having straight teeth is not only aesthetically beneficial, but also for a person's overall health. Braces help in preventing long-term dental issues such as chipped teeth, jaw soreness, and tooth decay.
You may need only small adjustments which only take a few months to get resolved or you may need several components and several years to get your teeth perfectly aligned.
