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Braces use steady, gentle pressure over time to move teeth into their proper positions. There are two main components to braces: the brackets that are placed on the teeth and the main arch wire that connects them. A bracket is a piece of specially-shaped metal or ceramic that is affixed to each tooth. Then the orthodontist bends the arch wire to reflect each patient's "ideal" bite, which, in turn, reflects the way the patient will look after treatment. Wire is threaded through the brackets and, as it tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure, which moves the teeth. With the pressure exerted on one side from the arch wire, the bone on the other side gives way, causing the tooth to move and allowing new bone to grow in behind existing one. Text Continues Below
Yes, the teeth will move in different directions as the teeth are straightening out. You may see a space between your two front teeth that was never there before or teeth that seemed perfectly straight before the braces were placed may not seem as straight. Be patient and things will start to improve. That space will close and those teeth will line up as treatment continues. In young children, corrections made prior to the loss of all baby teeth are retained, with the growth of permanent teeth guided into more favorable positions. A space maintainer placed in the mouth prevents the front and back lower permanent molars from slipping forward and also prevents the lower-front permanent incisor teeth from tipping toward the tongue. This ensures a maximum amount of space for permanent teeth. Often, various appliances like headgear, night braces, lip bumpers or removable "retainer-like" appliances are used to prevent loss of correction in children. The jawbone is flexible and can be pushed, pulled and reshaped, making the use of such devices possible. Page: 1 | 2 | Next >>
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