124 NE Evelyn Avenue, Grants Pass, OR 97526-1427 (541) 441-8288

How Do Braces Work?
Grants Pass, OR

Two girls smiling, one with braces from Robinson Orthodontics, in Grants Pass, OR

Braces are not uncommon. Most everyone knows someone who has had braces whether a friend or a family member. Even with that, most people do not fully grasp how they work. Braces have been used for years in orthodontics to correct numerous oral health issues. These can include crooked teeth or underbites as well as patients suffering from overbites or jaw misalignment. Though typically reserved for teens, an increasing number of adults are now getting braces as well. If anyone has questions regarding the use of braces or how they work, please contact us today at Robinson Orthodontics.

The Principles of Braces

While braces incorporate several different kinds of appliances, they are typically made of wire, metal, or ceramic. The brackets are bonded to the tooth’s surface using adhesive. These are applied by an orthodontist who specializes in orthodontic treatments. They also make adjustments during the course of treatment.
Braces can correct any number of problems from misaligned jaws to crooked teeth. The success of these treatments widely depends upon how invested the patient is in their treatment goals.

Types of Braces

Most people would not know it, but there are quite a few different styles of braces. They all have unique qualities which make them beneficial to unique situations. Which one is the best for a given patient will depend upon their situation and needs.

While traditional braces use brackets, which are glued to the surface of the teeth and wires which help to apply pressure to them, they are always needing readjustment to make sure the pressure remains steady and the teeth will continue to move to their appropriate places.

Some braces are made out of ceramic. These appear clear making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Another option is called lingual braces. While they too employ the same technique as traditional braces, the brackets and wires are on the lingual side of teeth which is next to the tongue. The last type of braces are clear aligners. Aligners use alignment trays to gently put pressure on the teeth to shift them. The trays are changed out every few weeks and generally are more expensive. These are beneficial in that patients can remove them to eat or to properly clean and floss their teeth. There are no dietary considerations with aligners either unlike traditional braces.

How are Teeth Moved?

Sometimes braces alone cannot adjust the teeth properly. Sometimes they need a little help. One item which is used to help them is called spacers. These can help maintain spacing between the teeth as they are slowly moved to their final positions. Bands are also used to provide added pressure when the wire is simply not enough on its own. While rare, springs have been employed as well. Springs help to focus on just a single tooth.

Patients who are interested in braces should find out everything they can before entering treatment. Why not come to the source and schedule an appointment at Robinson Orthodontics. We can help with answering any questions you might have. Patients can also call our number at (541) 441-8288 in order to schedule their initial office visit to discuss the possible treatment options.

Robinson Orthodontics

Dr. Jon Robinson

(541) 441-8288

124 NE Evelyn Avenue
Grants Pass, OR 97526-1427

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