Braces have long been the go-to treatment for achieving a beautifully straight smile. However, have you ever stopped to think about how they actually work? Are your teeth constantly shifting throughout the entire time you have braces?
The Gentle Pressure of Braces
The concept behind braces is surprisingly simple. Braces apply a continuous, gentle force to your teeth, gradually encouraging them to move into the desired positions. This gentle pressure is what triggers a process within your jawbone called remodeling.
Your jawbone is not a static structure. Specialized cells are constantly breaking down and rebuilding bone tissue. When force is applied to a tooth, the bone around it adapts. The bone breaks down on the side where pressure is present, allowing the tooth to move. Simultaneously, new bone is formed on the opposite side to secure the new position of the tooth.
Does this mean your teeth are physically shifting every second of every day you have braces? Not exactly. The movement is not so much immediate as it is gradual. The force applied by your braces is carefully calibrated to ensure healthy, controlled tooth movement. It takes time for your bone structure to reshape and for your teeth to settle into new positions.
However, while your teeth are not in perpetual motion, they continuously move throughout the treatment process. Your orthodontist will regularly adjust your braces, applying additional pressure to guide your teeth toward their final alignment.
The Importance of Retainers
Once your braces come off and you are flashing that stunning new smile, the journey is not completely finished. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions. That is why retainers - removable or fixed appliances - are essential. These appliances hold your teeth in place, allowing the bone and surrounding tissues time to stabilize fully. Retainers are an ongoing commitment to ensure your orthodontic results last a lifetime.
So, the next time you glance in the mirror at your braces, remember that an amazing process is happening behind the scenes. Your teeth are subtly shifting and changing, all to give you the smile you have always dreamed of.
About Us • Raleigh Family Ortho Learn more about Dr. Lee & Dr. Neill, their Raleigh dental practice, and some basic information about orthodontics. Call us today to schedule! Raleigh Family Orthodontics, 9201 Leesville Rd STE 160, Raleigh, NC 27613 • (984) 254-0585 • raleighfamilyortho.com • 12/17/2024 • Tags: orthodontist RALEIGH NC •
Braces have long been the go-to treatment for achieving a beautifully straight smile. However, have you ever stopped to think about how they actually work? Are your teeth constantly shifting throughout the entire time you have braces?