A beautiful smile improves your confidence and overall appearance.
One of the most effective ways to achieve it is through braces. They provide amazing results for patients who would otherwise suffer from a lifetime of medical or cosmetic problems. It’s no surprise people are curious as to how they work Also, if you are looking for best dental braces prefer a expert dentists in Essex.
Parts of Dental Braces
Braces have many parts working together to create the perfect smile. Most common brace components include:
- Brackets: Brackets are the tiny squares holding the archwire together. They are attached to your teeth with a bonding agent, and they come in three types: stainless steel, plastic, and tooth-colored ceramic.
- Archwire: The archwire is a short, thin piece of wire that attaches to the brackets, guiding your teeth as they move. They are either tooth-colored, metal, or transparent.
- Ligature elastic: This is the elastic attached to every bracket. They are flexible, and you can pick out their colors.
- Bonding materials: Dentists use these to attach the bracket to every tooth.
- Orthodontic bands: Orthodontic bands anchor the brackets and are not necessary for everyone. Your dentist might not recommend it if your teeth aren’t severely misaligned.
- Spacers: Dentists use spacers to make sure there is enough room for the bands in every tooth.
Braces have other components that are more complex and not necessary for everyone.
How Do Braces Straighten Teeth?
Braces work by placing constant pressure on teeth and jaws to alter their position. The brackets and archwire pressure the teeth, eventually moving them into their correct position.
Periodontal ligaments are the soft tissue surrounding the teeth and bone. They keep teeth in place, stretching or compressing when teeth move. A dental brace moving a tooth to the right will compress the ligament on its right and allow the new bone formation to its left to fill in the gap.
This mechanism makes teeth straighter by:
Correcting Overbites
An overbite is a vertical overlap between the top and lower front teeth. On the other hand, overjet refers to the protrusion of the top teeth relative to the lower ones. Each case may require the movement of either the top or bottom teeth.
Overbites are treated by moving the upper front teeth up, down, or both. The lower back teeth can also be moved up to slightly open the jaw. Depending on the patient’s case, overjets are managed by moving the front or lower teeth forward.
Braces correct overbites using constant pressure to move the teeth to their correct positions. The bones around the teeth will change their shape to adapt to their new position.
Correcting Overcrowding
Overcrowding is when the spaces between the teeth and jaw are too small. Braces can move individual teeth, giving them enough space to sit side-by-side.
Expanders are beneficial for young patients with a large jaw; however, they are not recommended if the palate has already fused. Orthodontists will instead insert small pins from the expander into the roof of the mouth to aid in expansion. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon may also help them by making an incision into the upper jaw to allow the expander to expand the jaw.
Tooth extraction is also another option to make some room. Your orthodontist will discuss all options and address your concerns.
Moving Teeth Forward
Some people think braces can push teeth towards the palate; however, braces also pull the teeth toward the lips. An archwire made of nickel-titanium are bent to fit the bracket. Its shape memory allows it to slowly return to its original U-shape, bringing teeth forward.
Are Dental Braces Painful?
Feeling pain and discomfort is normal when wearing braces. Some brace adjustments will be more painful than others; some may make it difficult to eat or chew for a few hours. Always let your orthodontist know if you feel pain all the time.
How Much Do Dental Braces Cost?
Braces are expensive, but their price will depend on how your teeth and mouth look. The type of braces you choose is another factor; some types will be less expensive than others. Your orthodontist will discuss every option you have. You may also check to see if your insurance covers any orthodontic treatments.
How Long Are Braces Worn?
Wearing braces may last for different lengths of time. The following factors will determine the length of time braces are worn:
- The condition of your teeth, gums, and bones
- How much space you have in your mouth
- The severity of the problem
- How far your teeth must move
- Oral hygiene
In most cases, braces are worn for one to three years. You will also need to wear retainers for six months to complete the process.
Key Takeaway
Braces correct overbites and overcrowding and move teeth forward by putting pressure on teeth, eventually making teeth straighter. You might have to wear braces for one to three years, depending on the assessment of a dentist St. Pete Beach.
The cost of your braces will depend on a few factors, like the type of braces you choose and the condition of your teeth and jaws. They may also get painful or uncomfortable; always let your orthodontist know whenever you feel pain.
Braces may be challenging to have, but the payoff will always be worth it.
