A Braces Explained Guide
Your braces are putting you on the road to an awesome new smile! You’ve probably got some questions about orthodontic treatment, and the doctors at Smiles Orthodontics are happy to answer all of them. In this braces explained guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. The most important thing to remember is that orthodontic treatment is the way orthodontists straighten or move teeth to improve their appearance and function.
Orthodontics will help improve the long-term health of your teeth, gums, and jaw by slowly moving your teeth and surrounding bone into the proper position for optimal alignment.
Along with straightening your teeth, wearing braces means learning a new dental language so that you can communicate any concerns or issues to your orthodontist during your visits. In this braces explained guide, we’ll break down the different parts of braces and how they work together.
Parts of Braces Explained
Traditional metal or ceramic braces will include the following parts, each playing a key role in your orthodontic treatment:
Spacers
These are temporary, small rubber bands placed between the molars (back teeth) to create space. They are often the first step in braces explained because they prepare your teeth for the placement of bands.
Brackets
Brackets are the small metal squares attached to the front and side of your teeth. These are bonded to the enamel with a special adhesive. Brackets act as the track for the archwire, and they are a vital part of braces explained as they keep everything in place during treatment.
Archwires
The archwire connects all the brackets and bands, and it’s responsible for aligning the teeth. Braces explained wouldn’t be complete without the archwire, which is typically adjusted during your visits to guide your teeth into position.
Bands
Bands are thin metal rings that fit around your back molars. These secure the archwire and create the necessary pressure to move your teeth. Understanding the role of bands is essential when braces are explained to new patients.
Elastics
There are two types of rubber bands or elastics that may be worn during braces:
- Ligatures: the tiny elastic bands that fit around your brackets that hold the archwire in the slot on the bracket. They come in a variety of colors you can choose from and they will always be part of your braces. Ligatures are changed during each of your appointments.
- Rubber Bands: used to apply pressure to the jaw to correct the alignment of your bite and reduce overbite/underbite. The rubber bands are meant to be worn as directed by your orthodontist and directly correlate to the progress your teeth make while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Not wearing rubber bands will cause poor results and can lengthen the time you stay in your braces.
Retainers
The final stage of your orthodontic treatment plan is called retention. Your orthodontist will want to preserve all that you have achieved during your many months in braces. To maintain your beautiful new smile, your doctor will design and create a retainer that uniquely fits your teeth to hold them in place after your braces are removed. At Smiles Orthodontics, we say always wear your retainer! Retainers serve to keep teeth aligned as the facial structure grows and changes.
Come See Us In Central Wichita!
Dr. Gorantla would love to meet you! We offer all types of orthodontic services like traditional and ceramic braces, Invisalign and TMJ treatments. For more information, call us at 316-684-5184, or fill out an online contact form, and we will make sure to get back to you! We can’t wait to meet you and your families and help you all achieve the smile of your dreams! Thank you for choosing Smiles Orthodontics.