How Do Braces and Clear Aligners Straighten Your Teeth?

At Munster Distinctive Dentistry & Orthodontics and Westville Distinctive Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand the transformative power of a beautiful smile. Braces are the cornerstone of orthodontic treatment, offering incredible results for those facing cosmetic and medical challenges with their teeth. Our goal is to help our patients understand the process behind braces and aligners and provide a clear understanding of how this remarkable technology works to straighten teeth. Let’s explore how braces pave the way for a healthier, more confident smile.

The Mechanics Behind Braces

Braces are a popular choice for improving a smile’s aesthetics. They are designed to gently and gradually realign your teeth into the perfect position. But how exactly do braces work to achieve this?

• Constant Pressure and Movement: The fundamental principle behind braces is the application of constant gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws. This pressure is exerted through a combination of different components that work together harmoniously. The brackets, which are small squares bonded directly to each tooth, serve as anchors for the arch wire. This wire applies the necessary force to guide teeth into their desired positions over time. With clear aligners, clear plastic creates pressure against clear resin attachments placed on the teeth and on the tooth surfaces themselves.
• Periodontal Ligaments and Bone Remodeling: Surrounding the teeth are periodontal ligaments, which play a crucial role in the movement process. As braces apply pressure to move a tooth, these ligaments compress on one side and stretch on the other, facilitating bone remodeling. This biological process called osteogenesis allows teeth to move safely and efficiently to their new positions.

Solving Orthodontic Challenges

Braces are versatile tools capable of addressing various orthodontic issues. Let’s delve into how they tackle common problems such as overcrowding, overbites and the need to move teeth forward.

• Correcting Overcrowding: In cases of overcrowding, braces meticulously move individual teeth back, forward or sideways to create sufficient space. This ensures each tooth can align properly, contributing to a balanced and harmonious smile.
• Managing Overbites and Protrusions: Overbites and protrusions present unique challenges, often requiring the coordinated movement of both upper and lower teeth and/or influence on the development of the jaws. Braces can effectively adjust the vertical and horizontal alignment of teeth, ensuring a functional and aesthetically pleasing bite. In some cases orthognathic discrepancies require surgery and orthodontics.
• Moving Teeth Forward: Contrary to popular belief, braces are not limited to pushing teeth back; they can also pull teeth forwards. Utilizing archwires with shape memory, braces can exert forward pressure, enhancing the overall facial profile and smile aesthetics.

The Journey to Alignment

The path to a straighter smile with braces is typically divided into three key phases: leveling and aligning, correcting bite issues and fine-tuning. This structured approach ensures every aspect of your smile is meticulously addressed, resulting in a perfectly aligned set of teeth.

Your Partner in Oral Health

At Munster Distinctive Dentistry & Orthodontics and Westville Distinctive Dentistry & Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on being your partner in achieving optimal oral health. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is dedicated to guiding you through the journey of orthodontic treatment, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way. 

Understanding how braces work is the first step towards embarking on this transformative journey. If you have any questions or are ready to explore how braces can benefit you or your loved ones, we invite you to contact us. We are happy to provide additional information about our orthodontic process and the insurance we accept.