How do braces straighten crooked teeth?
Braces use constant, gentle pressure, which over time moves 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, and serves as a handle to control each tooth. The archwire is connected to each brace and provides the force needed to move the teeth.

The wire threads through the brackets and, as the wire tries to return 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 gives way. The tooth moves. New bone grows in behind.

Attached to your braces, elastics (rubber bands) exert the force that is needed to move teeth into a good bite. In order to work, this force to remain constant, so elastics must be worn all the time and changed several times each day.

Elastics (rubber bands)
Attached to your braces, elastics (rubber bands) exert the force necessary to move the upper and lower teeth into a good fit (bite). In order for the teeth to move, the force must remain constant, so elastics must be worn all the time, day and night, and changed at least 3 or 4 times per day. Change them after each meal and put new ones on at bedtime. Any time missed in wearing your elastics will only make your treatment take longer, so remember these things:

You are responsible for placing the elastics on your braces. Make sure to wear them as instructed. Remove them only to eat meals and when brushing your teeth, gums and braces after meals. Then put new ones back on immediately. Always carry replacement elastics with you, so if one breaks you can replace it right away. If your supply is low, call the office and we will mail you an additional supply of elastics. If you forget to insert your elastics one day, don't double up the next day. Just follow your regular instructions.

Elastics become worn out. When they lose their elasticity, they don't provide the proper pressure on your teeth and jaws. It is very important to change them as directed, even when they are not broken. With a cooperative patient, great results can be achieved. If your elastics break frequently, a wire or band loosens, or a hook comes off, call our office immediately. Don't wait until your next appointment. These problems need to be corrected as soon as possible!