Though many people wear braces, they often don't really understands the ins and outs of how they work.
At Greater Vancouver Orthodontics, we know that informed patients are more likely to make it through their treatment without any hitches.
To help you better understand what's happening during your treatment, we want to share with you how each part of your braces works.
What do braces do?
Braces straighten your teeth by applying continuous pressure over an extended period of time. This slowly moves your teeth into the correct positions. And as your teeth shift, the bone around them changes shape as a result of the pressure applied.
Braces are constructed of a variety of parts, all of which serve specific purposes. The following are the basic parts that make up most sets of braces.
Brackets are the small squares that are bonded to each of your teeth. These can made of several different materials, and can be placed on either the fronts or backs of your teeth. Brackets hold the arch wires, which move the teeth, in place.
Orthodontic bands are anchors for the brackets that are made of stainless steel.
Arch wires create the pressure that moves the teeth, and are attached to the brackets. These can be clear, tooth-coloured, or metal.
Elastic ties fasten the arch wires to the brackets. They're made of rubber, and come in a wide range of colours.
Elastics or rubber bands are attached to hooks on the brackets. Using pressure, these bands move the upper and lower teeth into the correct positions in relation to each other.