No one wants to get braces, not only for aesthetic reasons but also because they can prevent you from eating some of your favorite foods and snacks. It’s not fun to have to deal with braces. However, getting braces the sooner, the better, and this can make the ultimate difference not just for your oral health but for the aesthetics of your smile. Braces are designed to gradually and gently move teeth into their desired positions using a combination of brackets, archwires, and elastics. Braces are worth it when it means achieving the smile of your dreams and helping to boost your health and self-confidence.
At SmileWorks in Midtown Manhattan, we sympathize with the hesitation of getting braces. This is why our team is dedicated to providing you with a comfortable and supportive experience throughout the entire process, so you can feel confident we can help you reach your smile goals. We invite you to schedule a FREE consultation with us to learn more about how braces can transform your smile and improve your overall dental health. Let SmileWorks be your partner in achieving a straighter, healthier smile — contact us today at (646) 722-1177 to get started!
How Do Braces Work to Straighten Your Teeth?
Most people are generally familiar with the concept of braces, such as the need for wires, and know braces are a long-term solution that takes time and can’t be done in a day or even a week. However, many may not be familiar with the exact science behind how braces operate. Here’s a quick overview of how braces actually work to straighten your teeth.
The Mechanics of Braces
When people think of braces, they picture wires that lie on the teeth. However, braces are made up of more than those wires. Braces are made of different parts, each playing a key role in straightening your teeth, including:
- Brackets: These are small metal or ceramic squares that are bonded directly to the front of each tooth. Think of these as anchors for your braces.
- Archwires: These thin metal wires run through the brackets, applying gentle and constant pressure to gradually move your teeth into their desired position.
- Ligatures: Small elastic bands that hold the archwires in place within the brackets.
- Bands: Metal rings go around your back molars to provide extra support and stability.
- Elastics: Rubber bands are attached to hooks on the brackets to adjust the bite’s alignment.
Braces are incredible tools that work by using the science behind biomechanics to gradually shift your teeth. While wearing braces may take some getting used to, the slow process has a huge payoff—a healthier, more beautiful smile.
How Braces Apply Pressure
Braces work their magic by applying just the right amount of pressure to guide your teeth into place. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how this process works:
Initial Placement
When you first get braces, your orthodontist, Dr. Jin Sup Shin, attaches the brackets to each tooth and threads an archwire through them. The archwire is secured with small elastic bands, or ligatures, which hold everything in place.
Continuous Pressure
Once your braces are placed, the archwire applies gentle, constant pressure on the brackets. This pressure nudges your teeth in a specific direction, encouraging them to move where they need to go.
Bone Remodeling
Your teeth are held in place by the periodontal ligament, which connects them to your jawbone. The pressure from the braces triggers a natural process called bone remodeling. As your teeth move, the bone breaks down slightly in the direction of the movement and rebuilds in the space left behind. This is how your teeth are gradually shifted into the desired alignment.
Periodic Adjustments
Every 4-8 weeks, you’ll visit Dr. Shin for adjustments. These appointments are all about making sure your braces are working properly. Dr. Shin might tighten the archwire, change the plastics, or make other tweaks to keep the pressure just right, helping you stay on the rack for the perfect smile.
Schedule Your Next Appointment With SmileWorks Today
Braces represent more than just a cosmetic enhancement — they are a transformative tool that aligns teeth for better function and oral health. By understanding the mechanics behind braces and how they gradually shift teeth into place through controlled pressure and bone remodeling, patients can appreciate the science and dedication behind achieving a straighter smile.
Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or a loved one, SmileWorks is here to guide you every step of the way. Our compassionate team ensures your comfort and confidence throughout treatment, delivering personalized care that prioritizes your dental health and aesthetic goals. Let us tailor a treatment plan that fits your needs, whether it’s traditional braces or other orthodontic solutions. Take the first step towards a confident smile by contacting us online or at (646) 722-1177.
