Dental care is a surprisingly ancient practice. Archaeologists have found evidence of dental enhancements not unlike braces dating as far back as ancient Egypt. Braces work, that much everyone knows, but how exactly do these wires and hinges straighten out your teeth? Read on to learn more about braces and how they do what they were designed to do.
So, How Do They Work?
Essentially, your braces apply a small amount of pressure on your teeth 4/7 until the end of your treatment to slowly shift your teeth into their correct place. Braces use a technique called bone remodeling. Bone remodeling, although it sounds artificial, is actually somewhat natural too. From the time of birth until your first year, essentially your whole skeleton has undergone bone remodeling, and the process continues the older and older you get. Bone remodeling is also how we heal from fractures and other kinds of bone damage.
How Long Do Braces Take To Straighten Your Teeth?
While your teeth improve a little day by day, the change is subtle and not noticeable for a while. Braces make sure your teeth are straightened out at the correct pace. If your teeth shift too quickly, you won’t grow the essential tissues needed to keep your teeth straight after treatment. Every treatment is a little different as treatment is tailored to each individual patient. Treatment is usually around 18-24 months, but in severe cases may last as long as 36 months.
Does It Hurt?
Teeth are pretty durable, that’s why it takes so much work to get them to move into place. That being said, you shouldn’t be feeling any sharp pain in your teeth because of your braces. Some discomfort and soreness at the start of treatment is common though. Pain caused y braces would only occur if your teeth are shifting too fast, and you should tell your dentist if you’re feeling anything out of place. If your teeth are moving too fast, that will affect the results of your treatment.
For any other concerns or inquiries, feel free to book an appointment with us here at Dr. Bobby Jivnani Dental Clinic.