Saskatoon – Stephenson Orthodontics
Have you ever wondered how braces work to straighten your teeth? They are actually pretty incredible!
Braces are a tool made up of four parts:
1. Brackets are metal or ceramic and are attached to each one of your teeth.
2. Bonding material is a type of strong glue that attaches the bracket to your tooth.
3. Arch wire is a thin metal wire that connects each bracket and works by putting pressure on your teeth to move.
4. Ligature elastics (or O-rings) are small, elastics (coloured or clear) that connect your brackets to the arch wire. These are changed each time you visit the orthodontist, but might not always be used in your treatment.
The goal of these tools is to work together to move your teeth through constant, gradual pressure. The arch wire is what helps move your teeth slowly over time, (approximately a half to one millimetre a month!). Certain elastics are also often used at different times to make your teeth move in a specific direction.
So how do your teeth know to move?
We often think of our teeth as being connected directly to our jawbone, making it hard to imagine how they can be moved. But underneath your gums is a membrane surrounded by your bones that roots your teeth to your jaw. This membrane controls the position of your teeth, and it responds to the pressure being put on your teeth by braces.
When pressure is applied to the teeth by the arch wire and elastics, your body will aid the tooth in repositioning the bone. The result of the continuous, gradual pressure is the teeth are repositioned to their ideal, straight position. The pressure placed on the membrane causes the bone to change and grow new bone to support the teeth in their new configuration. This is also why it is important to wear your retainer, as directed, after your braces are removed. The bone needs more time to grow and support your teeth in their new position!
Elastic Bands may also be important in your braces journey
Elastics (rubber bands) are also used for people who generally have an over or under bite that needs correcting in order for the bite to fit together well.
They connect to the brackets on your braces and can be positioned in many different conformations, depending on your bite. The elastic bands are attached and secured using small metal hooks on the bracket of your braces.
So how do they work? Elastics exert the proper force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn all the time and changed once a day, or as instructed by your orthodontist.
So sit back, relax and let your braces do all of the work to create your new, beautiful smile!
For a free consult, reach our office at 306-653-3955 or book an appointment below.
Stephenson Orthodontics
301 The Tower at Midtown
201 1st Ave South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 1J5
