Traditional orthodontic treatment works when dental professionals (orthodontist, dentist) attach brackets onto your teeth. These appliances have small slots, where they insert the orthodontic wires. These wires are held in place by small elastic ties that fit around the brackets. You often have a choice to change these color ties at every adjustment. As time passes during your treatment, the wires pull on your teeth, which sets in motion the movement of your teeth into their desired positions. Each of your teeth has a different size and shape, and so do the brackets. Each bracket is custom-made for a particular tooth.

When you first get your braces, the initial wires will be very flexible, but still strong enough to apply a constant force on your teeth. As your teeth straighten out over time they may use progressively thicker and firmer wires to help guide your teeth into the proper position for an ideal bite.

Each time you visit for an adjustment, The doctor is evaluating your progress and adjusting your wires to keep the right amount of pull on your teeth. This is why it’s so important for you to keep your adjustment visits during your treatment. Most adjustment appointments are scheduled approximately six weeks apart to give your teeth time to move at a steady pace and for the bone to remodel and adapt to the new position.

You may also wonder, how do rubber bands work? Many patients will need to wear elastics or rubber bands at some point during their treatment. These elastics are typically placed from one or more of the upper braces to one or more of the lower braces. As they pull your teeth your bite will adjust to the optimal position. If you are asked to wear rubber bands, please be advised that failure to wear them as directed will prolong your treatment.

Remember, Orthodontics is usually among the most elective areas of oral therapy and is not an exact science.