How do braces work?

Braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to the teeth over time. This pressure encourages the teeth to move through the surrounding bone into better positions. Although braces may look simple, the process behind them involves biology, physics, and detailed orthodontic planning.

Traditional braces include small brackets that are bonded to the teeth and wires that connect those brackets. The bracket acts like a handle on the tooth. The wire helps guide the teeth into new positions. As the wire applies pressure, the bone around the teeth gradually remodels, allowing the teeth to move.

Braces can move teeth in many ways. They can tip teeth, rotate teeth, close spaces, open spaces, align crowded teeth, improve root position, and help coordinate the bite. Elastics, springs, chains, and other orthodontic auxiliaries may also be used to create specific movements.

One of the advantages of braces is that they are attached to the teeth full time. This means they are always working and do not depend on the patient remembering to put them in, as with removable aligners. Braces can be especially helpful for patients who need precise tooth control or for younger patients who may not be ready for the responsibility of removable aligners.

Braces are used to treat many orthodontic problems, including crowding, spacing, rotations, deep bites, open bites, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. They can also be used in more complex cases involving impacted teeth, missing teeth, jaw discrepancies, or preparation for restorative dentistry.

At Orthodontics on Queen in The Beaches, Toronto, braces are not simply placed and tightened. Each case is planned based on the patient's teeth, bite, facial features, growth pattern, and goals. The braces are the tool. The treatment plan is what guides the result. Learn about braces cost in Toronto.