Braces

The placement of teeth within the mouth is largely based on genetics, and no two sets of teeth are the same. However, many opt for braces for a variety of purposes. Aside from aesthetic reasons, braces can improve overall dental health, lessen gaps between teeth, and fix underbites and other irregularities in the jaw or teeth.

What Causes Braces?

Although there are a number of different designs and approaches when it comes to braces, the most common form involves bonding a wire structure to individual teeth. Over time, pressure applied by the device to the teeth gradually shifts them to the desired position in the mouth. The teeth are essentially slightly loosened, at which point new bone grows in to secure each tooth in its new position. During regularly scheduled visits, the dentist can make small adjustments to apply more or less force to each individual tooth.

How can Braces be prevented?

While bonding wire to the front of teeth is the most common form of braces, there are currently a number of different styles available today. Depending on the desired results, a dentist can also apply the wire to the back of the teeth, rendering the device less noticeable. Another alternative is to fit a patient with a clear, removable aligner that fits over the teeth and can be replaced at intervals as the teeth move to their desired positions.