Having orthodontic braces is an investment in your long term dental health. Not only are straight teeth more attractive, they are also much easier to keep clean and thus reduce your risk of developing tooth decay. Today we are going to take a closer look at how do braces work so you have a better understanding of the teeth straightening process.
What Are Braces?
Braces are orthodontic devices that are attached to your teeth in order to correct a misaligned bite or to straighten crooked teeth.
The most commonly used braces by adolescents are metal braces that are affixed to the front of the teeth. Lingual braces can be placed at the back of the teeth. Clear aligners are used more frequently by older adolescents and adults and can be used for minor to moderate corrections. They are made from a special type of clear plastic.
How Do Braces Work To Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Traditional metal braces work on a pressure system that consists of brackets and wires. Within this system each tooth is placed under constant pressure, in order to push it into the correct position, which will ultimately give you a straighter smile. Of course, if the orthodontic braces have been designed correctly, your teeth will move under this pressure and the braces will thus need to be adjusted on a regular basis to ensure they can apply the correct amount of pressure to move them into the right positions to give you a straighter smile.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
Before you can answer highly specific questions related to the cost of braces and the duration of your orthodontic treatment, you need to consult with your dental practitioner.
The answers to both of these questions are highly personal and depend on your particular case.
In order to establish the cost of your braces as well as how long they will take to straighten your teeth, you need to have an assessment and a treatment plan must be drawn up that is specific to your unique needs.
Once you have had an assessment, which will include x-rays and digital photographs, your dental practitioner will include the different types of orthodontic braces that can straighten your crooked teeth in a treatment plan and cost estimate.
How Long Do Braces Take?
Your treatment plan duration will depend on the degree of correction you need. It will also depend on whether you need bite alignment done. Treatment plans can range in duration from six months to 24 months. Most treatment plans also need to be followed up with a period where you wear a retainer, usually at night. This is an important step to remember, because if you don’t wear your retainer as instructed by your dentist, your teeth could slip out of position again.
If you still have questions about how do braces work to straighten crooked teeth and the kind of results that are possible, you should speak to a dental professional about your orthodontic concerns. Please contact us for an appointment: (03) 5749 1208.
