How Do Braces Work? [+ 5 Stages and 4 Caring Tips]

Braces work by exerting gentle pressure on the teeth, moving them in the right direction. Other than the teeth, pressure is also applied to the jaw and surrounding tissues. 

These orthodontic devices help the movement of teeth into their right position. This qualifies them as a potential solution for common teeth alignment problems such as crossbite, underbite, etc.

The braces consist of various components that exert pressure on affected teeth, shifting their position over time. However, the action mechanism can vary slightly depending on the braces type. 

Anatomy of Dental Braces and Brace Function

To understand the functioning of dental braces in detail, first, talk about the parts of dental braces. These include:

1- Brackets

The brackets are the small pieces attached to the tooth’s surface. This component of the braces acts as an anchor to hold the other components of braces, such as an archwire. 

The brackets can be made of:

• Metal Brackets – These are usually a part of traditional braces.
• Ceramic Brackets – Unlike metal ones, ceramic brackets are gaining popularity because of their more natural appearance, making them less noticeable. These are commonly used in other braces types. 

2- Archwire

The next important component of the braces is the archwire that moves the teeth in their respective direction. This is a thin, flexible wire of variable thickness and an important component of dental braces.

Archwire is usually placed in the bracket structure. The positioned metal arches then exert gentle and continuous pressure on the teeth. Depending on the teeth’s position, an orthodontist bends the wire using specialized tools and exerts mild pressure on the teeth.

Depending on archwire positioning, this pressure gradually moves teeth in the right direction. Depending on the treatment progress, the orthodontist can adjust the archwire position to achieve the desired outcomes.

The archwire is made of different materials, including:

3- Ligatures (Elastic Bands)

Another component of dental braces is the elastic bands that connect the braces with the archwire. These bands are important because they distribute the pressure on teeth evenly. 

These ligatures can have variable thicknesses depending on the treatment type. These ligatures are valuable in various colours to make braces attractive or fun. 

4- Additional Parts

Other than these basic components of dental races, sometimes additional parts can also help to aid the movement of teeth by regulating exerted pressure. These extra parts include:

• Hooks: Hooks on the braces serve as the anchor point for the rubber bands
• Power Chains: These power chains exert more pressure on the teeth than braces and ligatures to help you achieve faster results.
• Separators: Orthodontic separators help create space between consecutive teeth to produce faster results. 
• Coil Springs: These small structures attached to the archwire are created between the teeth. 

All these components of the dental braces work in combination to move the teeth in the desired direction. These also affect the overall cost of braces treatment. 

5 Stages of Braces Treatment

The following are the steps involved in the braces treatment:

1- Initial Consultation 

The first step of your braces treatment is the initial consultation in which your orthodontist examines your teeth and suggests braces options to resolve a particular bite problem. Orthodontists also acquire your teeth impression, get your scans and develop a customized braces treatment plan.

2- Braces Fitting 

Once your braces are ready, it’s time for their placement. The orthodontist places several brace components in place, including brackets, wire, and elastic bands. Once in place, the dentist thoroughly guides on braces care.

3- Braces Adjustment

Once your braces are in action, you may need to visit your orthodontist once every 4-6 weeks. During these visits, your dentist monitors treatment progress and adjusts braces wire to change pressure or positioning. This frequent monitoring ensures that your treatment is moving in the right direction. 

4- Braces Removal

Once the teeth reach their desired place, they must get off the braces. Just like the braces fitting, this step isn’t painful. After removal, the dentist performs the final examination to check for progress made during the treatment.

5- Retainers

The last step of braces treatment is getting the retainers. These retainers are orthodontic devices that keep your shifted teeth in their new position and prevent them from returning to their previous state. Like brace care, your orthodontist guides you regarding retainer care to achieve the best results.

4 Tips to Care for Your Braces for the Best Possible Results

Braces move your teeth in a specific direction to help teeth misalignment and bite challenges over time. However, taking the right care of the braces is the key to fast results. The following are tips to help you take good care of your braces:

Oral Hygiene  

Taking good care of oral hygiene is important to prevent infection with braces. Brush your teeth after every meal and floss regularly. Special brushes are available to clean the inaccessible areas because of braces.

Wise Food Choices

An important aspect of good braces care is to make wise food choices. People with braces are advised to avoid sticky and harder foods.

Also, it is recommended that the consumption of sugary drinks be limited. Thus, make sure to follow complete dietary guidelines after braces. 

Wear Retainers

People with braces should wear retainers after their teeth are in the desired position. These retainers prevent the teeth from moving back to their original state.

Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly

It is important to visit your orthodontist frequently to monitor the treatment progress and adjust braces accordingly. These orthodontist visits are a critical aspect of brace care.

Wrapping It Up

Braces are the orthodontic treatment that resolves teeth alignment and bite-related problems. These work by pushing teeth through gentle force exertion. All braces components work together to give a picture-perfect smile.

Depending on the type of braces, treatment duration and cost of the treatment can vary. Treatment success also depends on post-brace care. If you fail to take good care of your braces, then it can result in delayed outcomes and increase the treatment cost as well.