In today’s world, everyone wants to have a straight smile. We all know that straight teeth are considered both beautiful and healthy! If you’re thinking to start the journey of teeth straightening, you probably want to know how exactly braces work.
How Do Braces Work?
Braces straighten your teeth and align your bite. Here at Sam Spence, DDS, Family Dentistry, we offer traditional metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and more. Every orthodontic case is different, and we take pride in creating custom treatment plans to meet each patient’s individual needs.
How do braces work? Traditional braces simply exert the proper amount of pressure to realign teeth. It consists of several different elements designed to move your teeth into an ideal position.
Common Components Of Braces
Brackets: These are little squares that we connect directly to the front of each tooth. Each bracket holds the archwire that moves the teeth. Brackets are available in stainless steel and tooth-colored ceramic, which some like because they blend in better with their teeth.
Archwire: This is the wire that connects to the brackets and directions the movement of the teeth. They are typically made of metal and pull the teeth in the proper direction to become straight.
Orthodontic Bands: These bands cover certain teeth mostly molars to provide an anchor for the brackets and archwire. These are also cemented to the teeth to ensure a better hold. Still, they are not used in all patients as some only need brackets without the bands.
Spacers: These do what they say they do; they fit between your teeth and create space so that your Abilene orthodontist can later fit the orthodontic bands in between the teeth.
Ligatures: These are small rubber bands that attach the archwire to the brackets. Depending on your choice, they can be transparent or colored.
Elastics: These rubber bands attach to clips on brackets and connect the upper and lower teeth. They are crucial for correcting the bite; they exert pressure to push the teeth to achieve a perfect smile and a proper bite.
How Long Does It Take?
If you get braces, it will take some days for the actual tooth readjustment to begin. During this time, there is a chance you will feel some slight soreness. It is nothing to worry about; it just means the braces are doing what they’re supposed to – moving your teeth!
Generally, treatment for misalignments can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months, but difficulties could add to this timeframe. After you finish your teeth straightening treatment, you will have to wear retainers to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original crooked positions. This will keep them secure and allow the roots of your teeth to get set in place for the future.
Affordable Braces In Abilene
Braces are the oldest way of teeth straightening & are still effective, if you also want to have a perfectly aligned smile & have severely crooked teeth no other orthodontic treatment is better than braces. Consult with your Abilene orthodontist today & know about your situation. Contact us today & book your appointment to visit our dental office in Abilene.