Braces are widely used by children, teens, and adults nowadays. Most people are aware that braces are used to straighten teeth and correct bites, but few understand how they operate. In this article, we will look at why people get braces, how they function, and the many components that work together to straighten teeth. If you wish to know more, you can consult with a dentist in Summit, IL.
Types of braces available
Your orthodontist will recommend braces depending on a number of factors, including how old you are and if you have an overbite as well as crooked teeth. Braces are custom-made to meet the specific demands of each individual.
Most people associate classic braces with metal brackets fastened separately to each of their teeth. An archwire exerts pressure on your teeth and jawline, and elastic O-rings attach it to the brackets. The archwire is adjusted as your teeth gradually grow into the proper position, and the elastic bands are replaced during orthodontist sessions.
Ceramic “clear” braces are less noticeable, whereas lingual braces are implanted fully below your teeth. Invisible braces, also known as aligner trays, may be removed and reinserted during the day. Retainers are aligner trays that are often supplied to patients after regular braces treatment is complete. They are utilized to secure your teeth in their new position.
How do braces work?
If you are interested in the science behind the answer, you should know that braces rely on a natural process known as “bone remodeling.” That may sound alarming, yet bone remodeling is how our bodies develop. You did it on your own as a newborn to replace practically your entire skeletal system before you turned one!
When you wear braces, you are moving the Periodontal Ligament (PDL), which joins and protects your jaw from your teeth. The constant pressure provided by braces causes the PDL to send signals to osteoclasts, which dissolve part of your jaw bone. Osteoblasts then arrive to repair your jaw after your teeth are properly aligned.
How fast do braces work?
While teeth gradually straighten on a regular basis, braces guarantee that the movement is neither too sluggish nor too rapid. Teeth that move too quickly do not give your body time to repair the supporting tissue, which can cause pain and discomfort. Slow-moving teeth might also cause problems.
Regardless of the type of braces you receive, it is a personalized solution designed just for you. Your orthodontist will devise a treatment plan that is as effective as possible for your oral health requirements. The average length of time is 18-24 months. Teeth in need of severe treatment may require braces for up to 36 months. Finally, engaging in two-phase treatment strategies might vary and occasionally shorten this timetable.
However, the time would depend on your specific case and needs. It is best to consult your orthodontist to learn about this.