“How do braces straighten teeth?” is a question we often get at Dietrich Orthodontics from parents and curious patients of all ages. We don’t mind—we love discussing braces with anyone who wants to know! Whether you’re a current patient looking for a recap on what we’ve told you or a potential patient wondering if braces can help you, you’re in the right place.
What Are Braces?
We know you know what braces look like; after all, you’ve seen friends, family, classmates, and coworkers with them. You might’ve even seen them in pop culture, such as on well-known characters like Darla in Finding Nemo and Eliza Thornberry in The Wild Thornberrys, or on celebs like Emma Watson and Gwen Stafani. But do you know the different components of braces?
At Dietrich Orthodontics, we proudly offer two types of braces—metal and ceramic from Damon braces, an excellent state-of-the-art braces system. Our self-ligating braces have brackets and wires, but their design eliminates the need for ligatures (the colorful bands that hold wires). So, whether you choose metal braces or ceramic, you’ll have a subtle, fashionable look!
As you might have guessed, the difference between our ceramic braces and metal braces boils down to their material makeup. The Damon metal braces use brackets made of high-grade stainless steel for efficiency and durability. As a sleek alternative for those who don’t like the metallic look, the Damon ceramic braces use brackets made of a strong, tooth-colored ceramic blend. This illusion of transparency is how they got their nickname: Damon clear braces!
How Do Braces Work?
So, what role do each of these components play in straightening your teeth? That’s easy! Now, let’s talk about how these orthodontic appliances work.
Braces align your teeth by applying pressure to them. If you’re thinking, “The last time someone applied pressure to my tooth, I got a gift from the tooth fairy,” don’t worry. This isn’t the same as pulling teeth!
Braces don’t forcibly pull your teeth to move them. Instead, they work by applying gentle, continuous pressure that triggers a biological response called bone remodeling, which is what allows your teeth to move to their new positions safely.
But what exactly is bone remodeling? You know when a house is being renovated, and they tear down a kitchen to put in a new one? It’s kind of like that but with bones! On one side of the teeth, the bone breaks down and is reabsorbed into the body, giving the teeth space to move in the necessary direction. On the other side of the tooth, the bone is reforming to hold the teeth in place and guide them along their path. This temporary loss of bone is why your teeth might feel a little loose, or your mouth might feel sore during treatment, but don’t panic! It just means your braces are working as they should.
In short, how braces work is a magnificent collaboration between technology and the body. It’s fascinating, and we’re obsessed—so it’s good that we chose to be in orthodontics, and we’re thrilled that we have Damon braces to conduct this process with!
Why Do I Need A Retainer If The Bones Resolidify?
This a great question! Retainers are crucial to the orthodontic process by ensuring your new smile stays how we’ve aligned it.
When we remove your Damon braces, it’s because your teeth are where they need to be, and we don’t want to apply any more pressure! That’s where your retainer comes in. The retainer is an orthodontic device designed to retain or hold your teeth in place. It’s essential to wear your retainer as directed because the bone remodeling process isn’t over when your braces come off. The new bones need time to form.
If you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth will automatically begin to move to their original places as if being pulled by a magnet, and, unfortunately, you’ll be at risk of restarting treatment. Don’t let all your patience and hard work go to waste! Wear your retainer and protect your smile!
How Long Do Braces Take To Straighten Teeth?
Like in a home renovation, the journey to a perfect smile is unique for everyone, and the time it takes for Damon braces to straighten teeth varies significantly from person to person (or house to house). On average, Dr. Dietrich’s patients wear braces anywhere from 14-22 months, but this can differ based on the ease or complexity of the alignment issues being corrected. The only way to know how long you will spend in braces is to receive a smile assessment from an orthodontist like our Dr. Dietrich.
What we can tell you, however, is our Damon braces can treat a variety of alignment issues, also known as malocclusions. Let’s break down the types of “architectural dilemmas” Damon braces are designed to fix:
- Overbite Overhauls: Tackling the challenge of upper teeth that jet out beyond the lower deck.
- Underbite Upgrades: Correcting the forward jut of the lower jaw for a much more functional and attractive bite.
- Crossbite Corrections: Straightening out teeth that seem to have swapped their rightful places, like a misplaced piece of furniture.
- Open Bite Adjustments: Closing the gap where teeth decide not to meet, much like fixing a door that won’t shut.
- Crowding Conundrums: Organizing a cramped space, ensuring every tooth has its proper place.
- Spacing Solutions: Fill in the gaps, like adding the perfect decor to a bare wall.
What Are The Benefits Of An Aligned Smile?
Going through the bone remodeling process with Damon braces does more than give you a new look to show off every chance you get—it also improves your overall well-being!
Here are just some of the ways that the choice to improve your alignment with Damon braces can significantly boost your quality of life.
- Improving Your Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, leading to better oral hygiene. Cleaner teeth reduce the risk of oral health issues like gum disease and cavities.
- Saving You Time & Money: Fewer oral health issues mean less time and money spent at the dentist and more time and money spent on doing things you love!
- Upgrading Your Digestive System: Misalignment can make chewing difficult, increasing your risk of choking, heartburn, bloating, acid reflux, insufficient nutrient intake (in severe cases), TMD, and food getting stuck in the digestive tract.
- Leveling Up Your Mental Health: A healthier, straighter smile that gives you confidence will, in turn, better your mental health by improving your self-image and reducing smile-related anxiety in social situations.
- First Impression Homeruns: A straighter smile often leaves a better first impression, which can be crucial in various aspects of life, including job interviews, making new friends, and even dating. It’s a subtle cue to others about your health, hygiene, and attention to personal care, potentially opening doors to new opportunities and relationships.
Start Your Orthodontic Journey Today With Dietrich Orthodontics!
How braces work is a fascinating and complex process best guided by an orthodontist. To find out what a personalized treatment plan with Damon braces can do for you, visit Dietrich Orthodontics in Canton and Alliance, Ohio! Dr. Dietrich is a passionate orthodontist dedicated to continuing his education and upgrading his office technology to give patients an unbeatable experience.
You can click here to book your free consultation online, or if you’re not quite ready to schedule anything yet, you can click here to contact our team! We’ll happily answer any questions you may have about our Damon braces, such as insurance or consultation expectations.
We can’t wait to work with you and help you create the smile you’ve always wanted!