Your self-image can suffer when your teeth are crooked. Gaps between teeth and teeth too close together can make even the most attractive person hesitate to smile. Worse yet, if you suffer from discomfort while chewing or flossing, everyday functioning can be downright painful. This insecurity or misery caused by imperfect teeth is solvable, however.
Orthodontic braces are like a miracle, a surprisingly effective way to address teeth issues and change lives. But how do braces work? Discover the types of braces offered at MyHM Dentist and why orthodontic braces are so effective at helping people look and feel better.
Facts About Orthodontic Braces
Orthodontic braces improve the quality of life for people all over the world. Here are some fascinating facts about braces that might make you appreciate them all the more:
- NASA invented the metal traditionally used on orthodontic braces. By inventing a heat-resistant metal, NASA inadvertently changed the appearance and function of braces. Dentists started using the malleable metal in the 1960s.
- Orthodontic braces are not a modern innovation. They’ve existed for thousands of years. Ancient burials have turned up all over the globe with braces-laden corpses. Though they don’t look quite like contemporary braces, they served a similar purpose.
- Millions of Americans wear orthodontic braces. What’s more, as many as one million braces-wearing Americans are adults.
- Many people who don braces do so for health reasons. For some, braces help patients chew more easily, breathe better, speak more clearly, and address discomfort.
- Though we often imagine traditional metal braces when we think of orthodontics, there are numerous types of braces, including clear aligners that resemble a mouth guard.
Types of Braces
There are orthodontic braces for you, whether you have a severe underbite or overbite. If you have a gap between your teeth, there are braces to address that, too. There are numerous types of braces to treat a variety of orthodontic issues. To know which type of braces can help you the most, it’s necessary to understand a few key differences among them.
Traditional Orthodontic Braces
Orthodontic braces are effective at closing teeth gaps, straightening teeth, addressing bite issues, fixing jaw problems, and easing mouth discomfort. For decades, people have leaned on metal braces to turn their crooked smile into a gorgeous one and their painful bite into a healthier one. Today, you can choose between metal and ceramic braces. Ceramic braces blend well with teeth, making them hard to notice. For people who have moderate to severe dental challenges, traditional orthodontic braces are effective and affordable.
Aligners
Aligners are effective at addressing less severe dental malocclusions. Made from a clear, plastic BPA-free material, aligners boast a hard-to-see quality. Using intraoral imaging, dentists can mould aligner trays specifically for your teeth, thereby addressing your individual dental needs.
How Do Braces Work?
Now that you understand orthodontic braces basics, it’s time to examine how braces work.
When you opt for traditional orthodontic braces, you will be guided through understanding the various components of and how to care for your braces.
Here is a breakdown of what you’ll receive:
- Archwire, a small wire that fits into your braces brackets and gently pulls your teeth forward.
- Brackets, little pieces of metal (or ceramic) that attached to your teeth.
- Rubber bands, which connect the upper and lower teeth, thereby creating pressure to correct bite.
- Bands, metal brackets that pull teeth together
- Ligatures, minuscule wires that bind brackets and archwire
- Coil springs, metal coils placed between brackets, therefore creating space between teeth
Being familiar with these elements can help us to answer the question, how do braces work? Orthodontic braces work gradually. Over many months and often years, the components work together to place sustained pressure on your teeth. From the archwires to the brackets and rubber bands, these pieces work in synchrony like a symphony, each affecting another, using gentle force to alter your mouth.
This constant, yet small amount of pressure will eventually cause noticeable changes in your teeth and jaw. This may sound a little intimidating at first, but remember this happens incrementally over a long period, so slowly that the pressure is as subtle as possible.
Final Thoughts
Seeing an experienced, gentle dentist can cause life-long changes for you. If you ever find yourself avoiding laughter, hiding your teeth, resisting smiling, or feeling physically uncomfortable because of your teeth, then it is time to make an appointment.
If you worry about seeing a dentist, rest assured. Our dentist is remarkably calm and compassionate. Our professional team is here to answer your questions about orthodontic braces and help you along this journey. Call us on (02) 9158 6379 to book an appointment for a consultation or to discuss our services.
