Orthodontics: How Braces Work to Transform Your Smile

Have you ever wondered how smile makeovers are achieved through the use of braces? Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or a loved one, understanding the basics of how they work can help ease any concerns and allow you to appreciate the journey toward a beautifully aligned smile.

1- Understanding the Basics

Braces is a common orthodontic treatment used to correct misaligned teeth and jaw problems. They consist of several components such as the brackets, wires and bands which will be discussed in more details. The primary goal of braces is to apply gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper and desired positions over time.

2- The Components

– Brackets

Brackets are small, square-shaped attachments that are bonded to the front surface of each tooth using a special dental adhesive. These brackets serve as anchors for the other components of the braces, such as the wires and bands. At Blossom Smiles Dental in Burlington, we offer brackets made of different materials like the traditional metal brackets or clear, glass brackets if you are looking for a more cosmetic appearance.

– Wire or Archwire

The archwire is a thin metal wire that connects each bracket and applies pressure to the teeth. As the wire is tightened by our orthodontist in Burlington during periodic adjustment appointments, it exerts force on the brackets, which in turn moves the teeth into the desired alignment.

– Bands and Ligatures

In some cases, orthodontists in Burlington may use bands, which are metal rings fitted around the back molars, to anchor the archwire. Ligatures, also known as rubber bands or O-rings, are used to secure the archwire to each bracket.

2- The Process

– Initial Consultation

The orthodontic journey typically begins with an initial consultation with our orthodontist in Burlington, who will assess your dental health and discuss treatment options. If braces are recommended, a personalized treatment plan will be developed based on your specific needs and goals.

– Placement of Braces

During the placement appointment, the orthodontist will clean and prepare your teeth before bonding the brackets in place. Once the brackets are secured, the archwire will be threaded through each bracket and secured with ligatures.

– Regular Adjustments

Throughout the treatment process, you will visit your local Burlington orthodontist regularly for adjustments; and during these appointments, the archwire may be tightened or replaced with a thicker wire to continue the gradual movement of your teeth.

– Maintenance and Care

Our Blossom Smiles Dental professionals recommend proper maintenance and care of your braces which is crucial for achieving the best results. This includes practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding certain foods that could damage the braces, and attending all scheduled appointments with your local Burlington orthodontist to make sure that the treatment is tracking as desired.

– The Results

While the duration of treatment varies from person to person and depending on the severity of the misalignment, at Blossom Smiles Dental, most patients wear braces for one to three years. Once the treatment is completed and the braces are removed, you’ll be amazed by the transformation of your smile. Not only will your teeth be straighter and more aligned, but you’ll also enjoy improved oral health and a more confident smile.

In conclusion, Braces may seem complex, but the concept behind how they work is relatively straightforward. Braces apply gentle pressure to the teeth, which in turn gradually move them into proper alignment, resulting in a beautiful, healthy smile. If you’re considering braces, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist in Burlington at Blossom Smiles Dental to learn more about how they can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.