What is Orthodontic Treatment?

How do braces straighten crooked teeth?

Braces use constant, gentle pressure, which over time, move teeth into their proper positions. Your braces are at work every moment of your orthodontic treatment. The two main components of your braces are: the brackets that are placed on your teeth and the main archwire that connects them.

The bracket is a piece of shaped metal or ceramic that we affix to each tooth. The archwire is bent to reflect your "ideal" bite. In other words, it reflects the way we want you to look after treatment.

The wire threads through the brackets and, as the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to move your teeth. Picture your tooth resting in your jaw bone. With pressure on one side from the archwire, the bone on the other side gives way. The tooth moves. New bone grows in behind.

Assessment:

If it is determined that treatment is indicated, you will be scheduled for diagnostic records. These records usually consist of study models, diagnostic photographs and orthodontic x-rays. Once these orthodontic records have been obtained, your orthodontist will review them and determine a specific treatment plan for your orthodontic needs. Learn more about Orthodontic Assessment.

Types of Appliances:

Braces use constant, gentle pressure, which over time, move teeth into their proper positions. Your braces are at work every moment of your orthodontic treatment. Learn more about the different types of Appliances.

Care of your Appliance

1. Removable Appliances:

The removable appliance is carefully designed to move or to hold your teeth. It is important that it is worn according to instructions and brought to each appointment. Learn more about Removable Appliances.

2. Fixed Appliances:

Some discomfort may be experienced in the first few days after placement or adjustment of your fixed brace. Should this be the case, relief can be found by taking your usual headache tablets. When your brace is initially fitted, it may feel that it is rubbing on your cheeks. This is very common and will soon disappear but until then the application of small pieces of orthodontic wax to the affected area will relieve the symptoms. You may also find that your speech is slightly affected but this too improves as you adjust to wearing the brace. Learn more about Fixed Appliances.

Retainers

Once the active period is completed, your braces are removed. The next step is called retention. Retainers are utilised to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums, and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions. You must wear your retainer as instructed, otherwise your teeth may move toward their original positions and the benefit of wearing your braces will be lost. Learn more about Retainers.