Why Choose Boss Orthodontics for Your Smile Journey
At Boss Orthodontics, Bee Cave, Kyle, and Austin, TX, Dr. Boss and the team offer personalized orthodontic care with metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners to help you achieve your best smile. Understanding how braces work can help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
How Braces Work and Move Teeth: The Science Behind Orthodontics
Braces utilize the principles of biology and physics to gradually shift teeth into their ideal positions. But what exactly happens beneath the gums to make this possible? At the core of orthodontic treatment is bone remodeling. Bone remodeling is a natural biological process in which bone tissue breaks down and rebuilds in response to pressure. When braces apply force to a tooth, they create a compression zone on one side of the root and a tension zone on the other. In response, the body removes bone in the compressed area and generates new bone in the tension area, allowing the tooth to shift over time.
Consistent pressure is essential for effective tooth movement. Braces are designed to apply continuous force, stimulating bone remodeling and ensuring steady progress toward proper alignment. As teeth move and resistance shifts, orthodontic adjustments are necessary to maintain optimal pressure. Your orthodontist will periodically tighten or replace the archwire, modify bands or elastics, and make other refinements to keep your treatment on track.
Braces 101: Understanding Their Key Components
- Brackets: Metal or ceramic pieces bonded to each tooth, anchoring the orthodontic system (wires and brackets). This is a key component in how braces work.
- Archwire: A flexible wire connecting brackets, applying steady pressure for tooth movement.
- Elastic Bands: Rubber bands that help correct bite alignment by adding extra force, guiding bites, or how upper and lower teeth coordinate to one another.
- Ligatures (O-Ties): Small rings or wires securing the archwire to the brackets, available in various colors.
- Self-Ligating Clips/Doors: Instead of ligature ties an active door applies continuous pressure against the wire allowing longer intervals between appointments and more efficient tooth movement.
The Orthodontic Process: What to Expect with Braces
- Consultation: Dr. Boss evaluates your teeth and jaw alignment using digital scans and an 3D X-ray to create a personalized treatment plan.
- Braces Placement: The brackets are glued to the teeth surface and the first archwires are placed. As the teeth begin to move, there will be some mild discomfort.
- Regular Adjustments: Braces work by adjusting the wires and sometimes the brackets at orthodontic appointments. We will see you throughout your treatment depending on when you and your braces will be ready for an adjustment. The first few visits are spaced far apart (10-12 weeks). The first few thin initial archwires need time to align the teeth before advancing to the next stage. As the teeth get more aligned in the middle to end of treatment, appointments may get closer together as the movement/changes we waiting to occur get smaller (ex: 6-8wks).
- Braces Removal & Retainers: Once your teeth and bite reach their ideal positions, braces are removed, and retainers are provided to maintain your new smile.
Braces vs. Invisalign: Which is Best for You?
- Braces: Best for complex cases, offering more efficient large tooth movements.
- Invisalign: Nearly invisible and removable, ideal for those seeking a discreet option.
Achieve Your Perfect Smile with Boss Orthodontics
Braces improve more than just your appearance; they enhance oral health and bite function. At Boss Orthodontics, Dr. Boss delivers expert care tailored to your needs. Learn more about how braces work and can help to improve your smile.
Searching for the best orthodontic office for braces or Invisalign? Schedule a consultation today at Boss Orthodontics in Bee Cave, Kyle, or Austin, TX!
More Resources:
https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/7-facts-about-orthodontics
Other Blog Posts You Might Like
Ready to Smile with Confidence?
Click to schedule a Free Consultation. We can’t wait to meet you!