The reason why braces have stuck around for so long is that they’re effective. Braces are recommended for a variety of orthodontic issues, including teeth alignment, crowing, gaps, and other issues. According to Money Geek, the average American spends about $5,000 on braces. But how do braces work? Here’s what you may need to know about braces.
What Problems Are Usually Fixed With Braces?
There are several problems that can be fixed with braces. If your teeth are not aligned or leveled properly, braces can help. They can move your teeth so that they sit side by side. They can also move your teeth down or up and across. That has the effect of arranging the edges of your teeth into a straight line. Braces can also fix bite issues. If you have an overbite, crossbite, or underbite, you can benefit from braces treatment. They are also ideal for closing gaps between teeth. Before the braces are removed, the dentist will complete any fine tuning so that your teeth sit in the best positions.
How Do Braces Move Your Teeth?
Braces function by exerting constant pressure on your jaws and teeth. This forces the teeth to change their positions, which alters your smile. Braces come with brackets that are glued to your teeth. These brackets hold an archwire, and this wire is the component that puts pressure on your teeth to move. Over time, because of this pressure, your teeth will start moving into the desired position.
Do Braces Alter Your Face?
The short answer is yes. Braces change the shape of your jaw, and this changes your face. In most instances, these changes are quite subtle. They are more noticeable in teenagers because they will still be growing. Problems like overbite and underbite affect the way your face looks. Therefore, if you use braces to fix these issues, they will affect the way you look with your lips closed. This is a positive change, and you will be happy with the results. You can talk to your dentist to find out more about how braces can change your face.
Braces are a great option if you want to improve the look of your smile. They are also recommended for the correction of certain jaw issues. Are you having a problem that can be fixed by braces, but you are unsure how to proceed? Get in touch with us today. Our dentist will be happy to discuss how braces can affect your situation.