Braces are one of the oldest dental treatments in human history. Different forms of braces have been found that date back to ancient times. Since then, the principle of how braces work has stayed the same but the technology behind braces has been vastly improved upon. In this article, we will be examining in detail the different parts of braces and how they work.At Dr. Jeffrey Kashner Orthodontics, our team of specialists is dedicated to finding orthodontic treatments that are customized to each patient's needs. We believe that every patient should be prioritized because dental health is important for your overall health. If you want to learn more about braces, continue reading to find out exactly how braces work.
What Are the Different Parts of Braces?
Although some braces may be slightly different depending on the patient's needs, they generally consist of the same basic parts. The small metal frames that are glued directly onto the front side of the teeth are called 'brackets. They are made with stainless steel and act as a hook for other parts of the braces to hold on to. Some people use clear brackets made out of ceramic material because they are less noticeable.
The molars will typically have 'bands' instead of brackets. These bands are made of metal and wrap around the teeth to act as an anchor for the braces. Each band will have a metal attachment that acts as a hook for the archwire to hold on to.
If there is no space between the molars, then a band will not be able to fit properly around the tooth. In this case, you may be required to wear 'spacers' for a week or so before getting braces. Spacers are a small elastic piece that fits between the molars to create space for the bands to fit.
The 'archwire' is the metal wiring that attaches to the brackets and bands. This part of the braces is responsible for the realigning of the teeth. The archwire will act as a track for the brackets to slide on as the teeth are being realigned.
The archwire is attached to the brackets by a small elastic band that is referred to as the 'o-ring'. The o-rings can be individual bands, or they can come in the form of a long, connected chain.
'Elastics' are a part of the braces that not all patients will have. The elastics are simply rubber bands that are connected to a bracket on a tooth in the upper arch and a separate tooth on the lower arch. The elastic acts as an extra force to assist in moving the teeth.
How Do Braces Work?
Braces work by exerting a small amount of pressure on the teeth over time to slowly move them into the desired position. The archwire will provide the force needed and will usually need to be tightened on occasion to continue being effective. This will also make the teeth stronger because, like a muscle, the teeth gain strength as they act against the pressure that is being applied to them.
Schedule Your Appointment For Braces Today
Braces are a very common form of dental treatment that is used to realign teeth that are crooked or out of place. If you think that you or a family member may need braces, call Dr. Jeffrey Kashner Orthodontics at 253-630-3331 to set up an appointment today. Our experienced orthodontists will work with you to give you a smile that you can be proud of.