How Does
What Braces Are
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Orthodontic braces are designed to help straighten teeth or correct overbites in a person's natural tooth alignment. To do this, braces consist of metal brackets (sometimes ceramic is used) attached to every tooth. A bonding material is used to affix the brackets to the teeth. Between the brackets is a metal wire that puts gentle pressure on the teeth, forcing them into proper alignment. Finally there is stretched rubber around each bracket, attaching the bracket to the wire.
How Braces Work
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When the metal wire between the brackets (called the arch wire in the orthodontics business) puts pressure on the teeth, the teeth will start to move. If the orthodontist is trying to correct the teeth into a specific direction, he may use additional rubber bands to exert more pressure. The braces put constant pressure on the teeth over a period of time, which lets them move gently and consistently. The process in which the periodontal membrane is broken down and then repaired is sometimes called bone remodeling, and it is why braces can move your teeth without causing them to fall out.
Time Required
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There are two forces at work when it comes to completing the bone remodeling process that is at the heart of successful orthodontics. The first is the breakdown portion, which is also called the osteoclast process. This is where the periodontal membrane is loosened and the teeth are free to move gently. This process takes only about 72 hours to begin happening after braces have been applied. The second process is the rebuilding part, or the osteoblast process. It usually takes about three months for this to occur after the braces have been removed. After this, the periodontal membrane must stabilize around the teeth, which takes about 10 months.
eHow Article: How Teeth Braces Work
