How Do Braces Straighten Teeth?

Have you ever been curious about the science behind how braces straighten your teeth? Braces, a cornerstone of orthodontic treatment, have remained a mainstay in orthodontic care for ages. Dr. Joel , Dr. Charles , and Dr. Jeremy use metal braces, InBrace hidden braces, and clear braces. Our Brodsky Orthodontics team in Lakewood helps patients with braces every day. Keep reading to learn how braces treatment might be the best option for straightening your teeth.

How Do Braces Straighten Teeth?

Our team designs braces to straighten and align your teeth over a period of time. The principle behind this transformative process is the application of continuous, gentle pressure. Here’s how it unfolds at Brodsky Orthodontics: When the doctors apply your braces, the brackets attached to each tooth and the connecting archwire work in tandem. This setup exerts a steady force on your teeth, gums, and jaw. As your treatment progresses, your facial structure adjusts to the tension. Your teeth move to more ideal positions.

But what’s happening beneath the surface? It’s a fascinating biological process where the bone in your jaw (“mandible”) responds to the pressure from your braces. As your braces exert a force on your teeth, the bone on one side of your tooth root dissolves. New bone tissue grows on the other side to support the tooth in its new position. This intricate process of bone remodeling makes straightening your teeth possible. Over time, as your teeth move, they settle into their new, correct positions. The endgame? You leave our Lakewood office with a captivating new smile.

Common Issues Addressed by Braces

Braces represent more than a treatment plan for a straighter smile. They solve various dental dilemmas. At Brodsky Orthodontics, Dr. Joel, Dr. Charles, and Dr. Jeremy use braces to address several common orthodontic issues.

One of the most frequent problems braces help with is crowding, where there isn’t enough space in your jaw for all your teeth to fit. Crowding can make cleaning your teeth difficult, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Braces space out your teeth, enhancing both their function and cleanliness.

Conversely, braces are equally adept at closing gaps between teeth. These spaces can trap food and are often a cosmetic concern. Braces gently move teeth closer together, eliminating these spaces.

Braces are instrumental in correcting bite issues (“malocclusions”) such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Misaligned bites can cause difficulties in chewing and speaking, leading to uneven wear on teeth. By realigning the bite, braces help distribute bite pressure evenly and reduce the risk of potential jaw and joint problems.

Beyond spacing and bite issues, braces also correct the overall alignment and position of teeth. Straighter teeth are easier to clean and contribute to a balanced facial appearance.

Components of Braces and Their Functions

Braces are more than the sum of their parts. But their parts are important. Metal braces, clear braces, and InBrace lingual braces have similar (but not identical parts). For example, InBrace lingual braces use the Smartwire and Gentleforce technology . But as a general rule, here are some parts you will find among our metal and clear braces.

Brackets

These small squares, typically made of metal or ceramic, are bonded directly to each of your teeth. They act as anchors for the braces, holding the archwire that moves the teeth.

Archwire

This thin metal wire runs through each bracket and applies the necessary pressure to guide your teeth into place. Our team will adjust the archwire, which will gradually move your teeth.

Bands

These rings are fitted around the teeth, usually the molars, providing additional anchor points for the braces.

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

For those with bite issues, the doctors may recommend elastics. They are hooked between different brackets, applying pressure to move your teeth and jaw into the desired position.

Spacers

These separators are placed between teeth to create small gaps, preparing your mouth for braces, especially for fitting bands around the molars.

The Science Behind Braces

The science behind braces is a fascinating blend of physics and biology. At Brodsky Orthodontics, Dr. Joel, Dr. Charles, and Dr. Jeremy leverage science to achieve precise tooth movement and alignment.

Braces apply continuous pressure to your teeth, causing a biological response in your periodontal membrane and bone. Pressure stimulates bone remodeling – the bone on one side of your teeth is broken down (resorption), while new bone is formed on the opposite side (deposition). 

Your periodontal ligament, a group of fibers connecting your tooth to your jawbone, plays a crucial role. When pressure is applied, these fibers stretch on one side and compress on the other, facilitating tooth movement.

The key to successful orthodontic treatment is the controlled application of force. Our team expertly adjusts your braces, ensuring the right amount of force is applied for optimal movement and comfort.

Post-treatment, the new bone around the teeth solidifies, stabilizing them in their new alignment. This biological response is why retainers are crucial post-braces, as they help maintain the new position while the bone and tissues adapt.

Types of Braces Offered by Brodsky Orthodontics

At Brodsky Orthodontics, Dr. Joel and Dr. Charles understand that each patient’s needs and preferences are unique. To help a broader spectrum of Lakewood people, we offer various types of braces, each with its own set of advantages:

Traditional Metal Braces

The most common type of braces. Metal braces are known around Lakewood for their durability and effectiveness. Ideal for complex cases, they offer precision in tooth movement.

Ceramic (Clear) Braces

Clear braces blend in with your teeth, making them less obvious to onlookers. They function similarly to metal braces but offer a more aesthetic solution.

InBrace Hidden Braces

Placed behind your teeth, InBrace Hidden Braces are completely invisible from the front. They offer you a cosmetic alternative without compromising on the effectiveness of treatment.

Your Braces Treatment At Brodsky Orthodontics

Brodsky Orthodontics offers all of Lakewood a unique braces solution. We have metal braces, clear braces, and InBrace lingual braces. All of these fantastic options can set you on a course for a wonderful smile. Go here to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Joel, Dr. Charles, or Dr. Jeremy.