What are braces?
Traditional braces are a system of fixed wires and brackets that orthodontists use to correct bite. Appointments are scheduled regularly to change the wire and move teeth under the supervision of an orthodontist. An alternative to fixed metal brackets offered at Virginia Family Dentistry is Invisalign.
What does the process of getting braces look like?
Virginia Family Dentistry Orthodontist Dr. Melanie Spears and her team walk views through the process of getting braces on in the video below.
How do braces straighten teeth?
Braces use constant, gentle pressure, which over time, move teeth into their proper positions. Your braces are at work every moment of your orthodontic treatment. The two main components of your braces are: the brackets that are placed on your teeth and the main archwire that connects them. The bracket is a piece of shaped metal or ceramic that we affix to each tooth. The archwire is bent to reflect your “ideal” bite. In other words, it reflects the way we want you to look after treatment.
The wire threads through the brackets and, as the wire returns to its original shape, it applies pressure to move your teeth. Picture your tooth resting in your jawbone. With pressure on one side from the archwire, the bone on the other side remodels. The tooth moves in that direction, and new bone grows in behind.
In order to help fix your bite elastics may be worn. Elastics (rubber bands) exert the proper force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn as directed and changed every day.
What are the types of braces?
The two types of braces offered at Virginia Family Dentistry are traditional metal braces and clear plastic aligners.