How Do Braces Work? If you or your child have misaligned teeth, then braces may be the best orthodontic treatment option. Braces have existed in some form for thousands of years and with today's technology, they are very effective. Misaligned teeth are not just aesthetically undesirable, they can cause other dental health issues like underbite/overbite, enamel erosion, and irritation of the gums and mouth lining. It is best to treat misaligned teeth as early as possible to prevent future damage as the mouth and jaw are still developing.Braces need to be customized to each patient's mouth, and at Dr. Jeffrey Kashner Orthodontics, our experienced orthodontists will work with you or your child to create an optimal dental treatment plan. If you are considering braces for yourself or your child, continue reading to find out how exactly braces work. What Are Braces?Braces come in many different forms, but conventional braces are the most common. In conventional braces, small metal brackets are attached to the front of each tooth with dental glue. These brackets are then attached to a wire called the archwire by small elastic bands known as o-rings. The archwire is anchored to metal bands that are wrapped around the molars and provide the pressure needed to move the teeth into their desired position. There are options to make braces less noticeable, such as using ceramic brackets that are the same color as the teeth to blend in with your smile. Another option is opting for lingual braces, which work the same way as conventional braces, only they attach to the back of teeth instead of the front. Because they are attached to the back of the teeth, people will not be able to see them easily. How Do Braces Work?The principle behind braces is a relatively simple one. All the braces do is apply small amounts of pressure on the teeth to move them into the desired position. The braces will initially be limited in how much pressure they are applying to prevent pain and discomfort to the patient. Once the initial level of tightness has moved the teeth as much as it can, the patient will have to make a trip to our office to get them tightened. It is normal to feel mild discomfort after each time the braces are tightened, but this does not always occur. If pain or discomfort is consistent, speak to our office to see what options are available to alleviate the pain. Once the teeth are finally in their desired position, the braces will be removed. Most patients will have to wear a retainer for some time after the braces are removed to keep the teeth in place until they are sturdy enough to maintain their position on their own. Retainers are usually removable, so the patient can take them out when eating, drinking, or cleaning to make maintenance and hygiene easier. ConclusionMisaligned teeth can cause damage to the mouth and jaw and should be corrected as soon as possible. If you or your child has crooked or misaligned teeth, call Dr. Jeffrey Kashner Orthodontics at 253-630-3331 to set up an appointment and see if braces are a viable option. |
| Hours Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri 9am to 5pm 8am to 5pm 7:30am to 4pm 7:30am to 4pm 8am to 4pm |
