How to Use Traditional Braces to Straighten Your Teeth

Malocclusion is a term that refers to poorly aligned teeth and bites misalignment, which at times may cause oral health issues such as chewing difficulties, gum disease, and speech issues. Traditional braces were invented to avert such issues, and they are among the oldest forms of teeth alignment tools. Traditional braces have existed for decades and are known to be effective and yield lasting orthodontic results.

According to our orthodontist in Houston, the best time for orthodontic treatment is between the age of 10 and 14. Misaligned teeth are best managed when identified early, just as soon as the adult teeth have set in; therefore, teens and pre-teens make the best candidates for this orthodontic treatment. In adults, the best age to get traditional braces is between 25 to 45 years, but for adults, Invisalign makes an excellent choice since they are virtually invisible, thus offering a subtle way to straighten teeth.

A study done on orthodontic patients revealed that traditional braces are 100 percent effective when used by patients aged 12 to 16 years, while it had a 70 percent efficacy rate on adults aged 20 to 47 years. The same study also showed that adults required more dental visits to get similar results that young teens achieved within a short time frame.

If you are an adult with minor to moderate orthodontic needs, traditional metal braces can help you achieve satisfactory results. You can get dental braces in Houston, TX, at Greater Houston Dental Arts, a dental office in Houston.

What are Dental Braces?

Think of dental braces as metallic wires and brackets fixed on the front part of teeth to slowly shift them into the right place with consistent pressure and periodic tightening.

Traditionally, metal braces were known to be uncomfortable and painful to wear and would, sometimes, cause injury or sores inside the mouth. However, this is no longer the case, as braces nowadays are inconspicuous and less noticeable. The brackets can now be attached at the back of teeth to make the braces less visible; furthermore, the brackets can now be tooth colored and customized. You can also choose the making materials from ceramic, metals, plastic, or a combination of them.

The treatment period for traditional braces ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the severity of the patient’s orthodontic case.

Before an orthodontist near you selects the right orthodontic treatment plan for you, they have to first do a dental exam and take oral x-rays. Next, taking photos and impressions of your teeth will allow the dental professional to develop an individualized treatment plan that best suits each patient’s unique oral problem.

How Do Traditional Braces Work?

Traditional braces shift teeth into the desired position by inducing mild and constant pressure that makes teeth shift slowly over time. Your teeth have roots beneath that hold them firmly in the jaw bone. When there is a consistent, steady force applied to teeth over a lengthy period, your teeth will essentially forge a new path, and when they move, the bone, the blood vessels, and the gums follow.

For you to understand better how traditional braces work, you’ll need to first know the various key components that come with metal braces and their purpose. They are:

• Brackets

The brackets are the first piece of braces to get attached to teeth, and they can either be stainless steel, plastic, or ceramic. Brackets do not actually move teeth but rather act as a handle for other parts of the braces.

• Arch wires

Orthodontic archwires are what actually move teeth into position, and they first have to be turned into an ideal shape for your flawed teeth. The archwires in braces are springy and will want to get back to their initial position after they are placed in the mouth. As they slowly turn to their initial shape, they pull teeth along, and this is the mechanism of how the pressure that causes teeth to shift into place is generated.

• Bands

Elastic bands will be placed around your brackets and will add more pressure on the jaw to move teeth gradually.

• Spacers

Spacers can be made from metal rings or rubber bands, and they help push the jaw forward by creating space at the back of the mouth.