How braces work

Everything You Need to Know About How Braces Work and What to Expect 

How braces work?

We are well aware that braces make faces, but how braces work? This question should hunt you if you’re undergoing or planning to undergo braces treatment. Only braces cannot correct the malocclusion alone. Along with the different attachments like Wires, Anchorage device (Nance button, transpalatal arch), Bite plate, Elastics, Elastic chain, Module and Mini-implant helps Orthodontists to correct unpleasant smiles or malocclusion.

Let’s understand the mechanism of braces and how braces work.

During the first appointment, the orthodontist puts braces on your anterior teeth and molar bands of molar tubes on posterior molars. Whenever there is no sufficient space for molar bands, they put elastic( separators) anterior and posterior to that tooth, creating space. This is part of how braces work to ensure the proper placement of braces. 

Once the braces are fixed, a Flexible NiTi( Nickel Titanium) wire is placed.

Is there only one size wire? Or do Orthodontists change wires in every appointment?

No, there are multiple wires which are placed sequentially. Orthodontists don’t change the wire every month, it is completely the Orthodontist’s decision when to change or replace the wire. Usually when the objectives of wires are achieved then the Orthodontist shifts to the next wire to correct further treatment. 

Does the gap between teeth close from the start of the treatment?

No first 4-5 month teeth are aligned properly and after that gap is closed with the help of an elastic chain.

Why are mini implants used in braces treatment?

Mini implants are used for many purposes in Orthodontics. However, they are mainly used to move groups of teeth at times.

Why are mini implants used in braces

How long do braces take to work?

There is no fixed time for braces treatment. Also, no Orthodontist can exactly commit about treatment duration because every case is different and every individual’s body response to braces is also different. Generally during growth or at an early age body responds faster and corrections may be achieved rapidly. However, this will not work with every case.

The severity of malocclusion also plays an important role in deciding treatment time. Lesser the severity, lesser the treatment time and vice versa.

From the experience of the previously treated case, we can say that mild cases require 8-12 months, Moderate cases require 12-18 months and severe cases require 18-24 months.

Treatment time can be longer when there is more than one treatment modality such as growth modification usually takes 1 year and after that braces take 1-1.5 years.

Nowadays, aligners have gained much popularity due to shorter treatment times. But again, it depends on case to case. Along with aligners, Damon braces have also shown that the treatment time can be shortened with an Orthodontist’s skill and mechanics combinely.

To summarise this treatment duration of orthodontic treatment mainly depends on: 

  • Severity of malocclusion 
  • Patients Compliance
  • Individuals Body Response 
  • Type of braces

Do braces work at any age?

Definitely, as long as you have teeth in good condition. Braces move teeth through the bones and they are attached to this bond with gums. So basically as long as you have good quality bone, gums and teeth you can ask for or can be benefit with orthodontic treatment.

So basically there is no age bar for braces. An individual with the age of 50 years has good oral health and can opt for braces but individuals with the same age who have poor oral health can not be benefited with Orthodontic treatment.

Braces Before and After, See the Power of a Transformed Smile with Braces.

Real patients, real results. Explore the stories behind the smiles.

Braces before and after
Braces before and after
Braces before and after
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