Traditional Braces Braces are one of the oldest and most reliable dental treatments. Different forms of braces have evolved over the years. Yet, the principle of how braces work has stayed the same, even though the technology behind braces has been vastly improved upon. At Smile Dental Clinic, our team of specialists is dedicated to finding orthodontic treatments that are customized to each patient's needs. We believe that every patient should be prioritized because dental health is important for your overall health. What Are the Different Parts of Braces?BracketsAlthough some braces may be slightly different depending on the patient's needs, they generally consist of the same basic parts. The small metal frames that are glued directly onto the front side of the teeth are called brackets. They are made with stainless steel and act as a hook for other parts of the braces to hold on to. Ceramic braces are available, which provide clear brackets and are less noticeable. BandsThe molars will typically have bands instead of brackets. These bands are made of metal and wrap around the teeth to act as an anchor for the braces. Each band will have a metal attachment that acts as a hook for the archwire to hold on to. If there is no space between the molars, then a band will not be able to fit properly around the tooth. In this case, you may be required to wear spacers for a week or so before getting braces. Spacers are a small elastic piece that fits between the molars to create space for the bands to fit. ArchwireThe archwire is the metal wiring that attaches to the brackets and bands. This part of the braces is responsible for the realigning of the teeth. The archwire will act as a track for the brackets to slide on as the teeth are being realigned. The archwire is attached to the brackets by a small elastic band that is referred to as the o-ring. The o-rings can be individual bands, or they can come in the form of a long, connected chain. ElasticsElastics are a part of the braces that not all patients will have. Elastics are simply rubber bands that are connected to a bracket on a tooth in the upper arch and a separate tooth on the lower arch. The elastic acts as an extra force to assist in moving the teeth. How Do Braces Work?Braces work by exerting a small amount of pressure on the teeth over time to slowly move them into the desired position. The archwire will provide the force needed and will usually need to be tightened on occasion to continue being effective. This will also make the teeth stronger because, like a muscle, the teeth gain strength as they act against the pressure that is being applied to them. Traditional Metal Braces - Tried and TrueBraces are a very common form of dental treatment that is used to realign teeth that are crooked or out of place. If you think that you or a family member may need braces, call Smile Dental Clinic at (703) 457-9910 to set up an appointment today. Our experienced orthodontists will work with you to give you a smile that you can be proud of. |
Contact InformationFalls Church Office5645 Columbia Pike Falls Church, VA 22041 (703) 457-9910 Herndon Office905 Alabama Dr Herndon, VA 20170 (703) 579-9223 smiledentalclinic@gmail.com Follow Us |
