Braces have always been a stable part of Orthodontic care for people of all ages. As technology changes, they’ve become sleeker, and more versatile. So how do braces work, and what kind of things do they treat?
Moving Things Into Place
Braces work by using constant pressure to slowly move teeth into position in your mouth. Brackets hold wires in place that apply the constant pressure in the direction the orthodontist wants your teeth to go.
How Braces Impact Your Oral Health
The constant tension caused by the wire attached to the brackets that slowly moves the teeth into the desired position helps to “work out” the different parts of your gums and teeth over time. One area this affects is the periodontal membrane, with the slow movement of the teeth and pressure on the bones of the teeth and jaw, and gums themselves as well, which can have the effect of encouraging better bone density.
In this way, the way braces work can impact so much more than just the appearance of your teeth, but can also affect your overall oral health, improving the strength of your teeth and gums from the bottom up.
The Role of Oral Hygiene
For braces to have their best effect it is very important that diligent oral hygiene be employed. Keeping teeth strong and healthy includes keeping them clean, and free of potentially damaging bacteria, acids, and sugars that can damage teeth, which may be more susceptible due to the difficulty of cleaning around wires and brackets.
Learning how to clean your teeth properly can support the way braces work, and may help ensure not only a strong and beautiful smile, but a healthy one as well.
Call our Mont Belvieu Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.