Braces 101. How Exactly Will Braces Straighten My Child’s Teeth?

ss-2508811smMany parents and patients that come in to our Sioux Falls, SD office ask us, “How do braces work to straighten teeth?” Believe it or not, we get a lot of questions about how exactly those little metal bands and wires work together to create the desired end-result; a beautiful, healthy, straight smile. Many patients are also curious as to why their braces have to stay on for so long. (Some patients can be in braces for up to three years.)

So, to answer those questions you might have about how exactly braces work, here are the basics:

Horner Barrow Orthodontics’ Braces 101
• The braces installation process starts when Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow attaches a bracket to each tooth using a special bonding product. Each bracket is specifically-designed for the structure and needs of its corresponding tooth. Once the brackets are placed on each tooth, they are then connected to each other using arch wire.
• The connection process begins with very thin, round wire, which will be replaced repeatedly at regular intervals until thick, rectangular wire is in place. We use this process because moving teeth and their roots is best done at a slow, gradual pace. Starting the orthodontic treatment process with hard wires would cause the patient a considerable amount of discomfort and pain.
• A more flexible wire will be placed once the teeth are better positioned, so that we then can fine-tune the alignment by bending the wires. For our orthodontic patients with under- or overbites, rubber bands may be utilized to move the jaw into a straighter bite position.
• Throughout the orthodontic treatment process, the pressure placed on the periodontal membrane shifts. The bone structure of the tooth roots changes, allowing for the continued movement of each tooth. It can take up to a year for this bone-changing, or remodeling, process to be completed. That is the main reason why so many patients wear braces and/or retainers for what seems like a long time.

We know that your child’s desire for a straight, beautiful smile is counter-balanced with your concerns for their overall comfort and safety. Our orthodontic team strives to make certain that all of your questions and concerns are completely addressed before planning for your child’s orthodontic treatment.

If you have more questions about how braces work, check our patient education or our treatment page to see if the answers you seek are there. Then, call our office to schedule your initial consultation.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. We provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.