Straight teeth are a valuable asset. They are crucial for a symmetrical face and an eye-catching smile. Even if you weren’t able to grow your teeth naturally straight, you don’t have to worry. You can get braces to help correct your teeth’s alignment.
What are the Components of Your Braces?
When you get your braces, there are a few components involved that you should probably know about. They are simple yet effective for realignment, and learning about them will help you properly maintain them. These components are:
1. Braces Brackets
Brackets are the four-pronged metal devices that you attach to your teeth. They hold your braces in place so that your teeth can be realigned properly. Usually, brackets are attached both to the bottom and top rows of your teeth.
2. Wire
The metal wire that runs from bracket to bracket is what actually moves the teeth and gives them a proper shape to follow. It is attached to the brackets via the tiny silver metal springs between the two ends. The wire bends and moves the teeth, which allows for proper alignment.
3. Rubber Bands
Rubber bands are the rubber-coated fasteners that keep everything else in place. They are placed between the brackets and the wires. The rubber bands are strong, but they are also made from a flexible material that allows for adjustment. This allows for the braces to be moved without causing any discomfort or pain.
How Do Braces Work?
Braces do not fix teeth by magic. They use the teeth’s own ability to move and change to reshape them. The brackets are attached to your teeth, and a metal wire is attached to the brackets for each row of teeth. As mentioned, this will help form your teeth. As they begin to move and realign, they will eventually need tightening.
Why Do Your Braces Need to Be Tightened?
Braces need to be tightened to keep them on track and working correctly. If your braces are not fully secure, they won’t be able to move the teeth as they need to be moved. If you notice that your braces are lopsided, they will need to be tightened.
Tightening happens typically every few days after your first session when your teeth have a lot of room for correction. However, once you’ve gotten past the first few weeks, the intervals between tightening will eventually get longer, spanning weeks to even months.
How Painful are Tightening Pains?
Tightening your braces doesn’t involve pain, but it does involve discomfort. You will be constantly aware of the braces being tightened. This will feel like your teeth are being moved.
You will experience soreness the first few times you tighten your braces, but this will eventually disappear. Remember that these braces are moving your teeth, which will be noticeable. Over time, your body will naturally adjust and pain will naturally become less troublesome.
Conclusion
Getting your braces tightened is a routine part of living with braces. They are an important part of the process, and they have a lot to do with realigning your teeth. While this may hurt and cause some discomfort at first, we assure you that the end results are well worth your while.
Treat yourself to a complete smile makeover and have braces put on. Get your teeth checked by our orthopedic specialists in Newton, MA, and find the braces that will work best for you! Schedule an appointment today!
