How Do Braces Straighten Crooked Teeth?
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The Parts of Braces
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The orthodontic device commonly known as braces is made up of several critical parts: brackets, which are attached to most of the teeth, molar bands, which secure the braces, and archwires, which are the active force behind the straightening process.
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Brackets
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The brackets are small, squarish metal pieces that are attached to every tooth on the row to be straightened (except the back molars, which are banded). These brackets must remain attached to the teeth for a long time (usually in the range of 1 to 3 years), so the teeth are fully cleaned and dried, then the brackets are attached using a strong cement, which is fully cured during the fitting appointment using small, specially made lights.
Archwire
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Once the brackets are attached to the teeth, a straightening archwire is threaded through them. This wire is made of a combination of nickel and titanium and is temperature sensitive: at room temperature, the wire is soft and pliable. However, once it is attached to the braces and warmed by the natural heat of the mouth, the wire will stiffen, returning to its cast form in the shape of a healthy curve of the teeth. If securely attached to the brackets, this stiffening will pull gently, but strongly and persistently, at the brackets and the teeth, pulling them into the proper shape.
Metal and Rubber Bands
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In order to secure the archwire to the brackets, each bracket must be individually fastened to the wire using a tiny but thick rubber band.
To keep the pressure of the archwire from simply pulling the brackets off the teeth, the wire is secured at the back of the mouth to metal bands, which are wrapped around the back two molars.
Tightening
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Periodically, a set of braces must be tightened by the orthodontist as the archwire's natural curve restores, buckling out from its tight position against the teeth. The process of tightening involves pulling out the ends of the wire through the back of the molar bands, stretching it taut against the teeth again. The rubber bands are also replaced at this time to ensure a secure hold.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons
