BRACES 101

Orthodontic appliances, otherwise known as braces, are precise, carefully engineered tooth-moving devices made of tiny parts.

HOW BRACES WORK

Dr. Britton guides the teeth into the correct alignment by carefully making adjustments to the braces and orthodontic wires. The orthodontic wires put pressure on the teeth. The pressure causes the bone to adjust to the new position of the tooth. Tooth movement takes time due to the changes in the bone and gums.

METAL BRACES
Metal braces are made of high-grade stainless steel and are small and comfortable.

CLEAR CERAMIC BRACES
Clear ceramic braces are the same shape as metal braces, except that they are translucent and blend into the teeth.

TERMINOLOGY

ORTHODONTIC WIRES
Orthodontic wires are what actually move the teeth. When tied into the brackets, they exert a gentle force to gradually move the teeth. Made of different types of metals and alloys, orthodontic wires tend to have a memory and want to retain their normal arched shape.

BANDS
Small rings of metal that are cemented to the back teeth.

BONDING MATERIAL
Tooth-colored dental composite. This is what attaches the bracket to the tooth.

BRACKETS
Bonded directly onto each tooth with adhesive, the bracket holds the orthodontic wire in place.

HOOKS
Small attachments placed on the brackets which are used to attach rubber bands.

LIGATURE WIRE
Wires that help hold orthodontic wires to the brackets.

O-RINGS
Tiny, clear or colored elastomeric rings that hold the orthodontic wire into the brackets.

RUBBER BANDS
Small elastic rubber bands used to exert gentle but constant pressure to move help move the teeth.

WAX
Orthodontic wax is used to protect gums and cheeks from bracket irritation.

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