Pages

How Dental Braces Work

Before and After Photos Following Teeth Braces
Braces Fix Imperfect Teeth. 
Correctly aligned teeth function better and contribute to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Teeth that work together properly can not only help improve the way you speak, chew and digest food, but the way you feel.

Dental braces move the teeth as a result of force and pressure on the teeth. There are four basic elements that are needed in order to help move the teeth.

In the case of traditional metal or wire braces, one uses brackets, bonding material, arch wire, and ligature elastic, also called an “O-ring” to help align the teeth.

The teeth move when the arch wire puts pressure on the brackets and teeth. Sometimes springs or rubber bands are used to put more force in a specific direction. Braces have constant pressure, which over time, move teeth into their proper positions. Occasionally adults may need to wear headgear to keep certain teeth from moving.

When braces put pressure on one's teeth, the periodontal membrane stretches on one side and is compressed on the other. This movement needs to be done slowly otherwise the patient risks losing his or her teeth. This is why braces are worn for 2 to 3 years and adjustments are only made every three or four weeks.  The average cost of braces range from $2,000 to $5,500 depending on the type of braces and how long you need to wear them.