Moving multiple teeth is a complicated process. That is why orthodontists generally train for 10-11 years, approximately 2-3 years more than general dentists. An orthodontist's training equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely move teeth through bone. To help them achieve that aim, an orthodontist relies on their most important tool—dental braces.
You could say that the most important parts of a brace are the brackets that give it its train track-like appearance. Despite their small size, brackets are much more than mere archwire holders. If you have ever wondered what it is that brackets actually do, this short overview should give you a better understanding.
Correct Bracket Positioning is Vital
Orthodontic brackets come in many forms. Traditional metal braces use small, square-shaped brackets made of stainless steel, while ceramic braces use plastic or ceramic brackets. One of the first things an orthodontist does when preparing to place braces is to decide where best to locate the brackets. Bracket placement determines how the teeth will move.
Although it might appear so, not all brackets belong in the centre of a tooth. Since not all teeth will need to be moved in the same direction or with the same amount of force, bracket placement might differ from tooth to tooth. For example, if an orthodontist wishes to make the central incisors longer, they will place the brackets closer to the gum line on those teeth.
The Archwire Works With the Brackets
Without the archwire, brackets are useless. Once the brackets are positioned, the orthodontist fits the archwire. If, as in the aforementioned example, an orthodontist wishes to extrude (pull out) two central incisors to a certain degree, placing the brackets higher up on those teeth will be their first step. The orthodontist will then place the archwire onto the brackets.
If the brackets on the surrounding teeth are lower than the brackets on the central incisors, the archwire will generate a steady pulling force on the central incisors. Eventually, those central incisors will move until the discrepancy in height between the brackets has been reduced. This concept can be applied to all teeth, and each bracket position controls movement direction.
Orthodontists Reposition Brackets
Over the course of a patient's treatment, an orthodontist will reposition the brackets several times. This is often done after a 6-month period. Repositioning brackets over time gives orthodontists the ability to control the rate and order of tooth movement.
For instance, if a canine tooth requires a certain amount of rotation, an orthodontist may move other individual teeth first before later focusing on that tooth. This means that an orthodontist may move multiple brackets to deal with specific movements, several times over the course of a patient's treatment.
That is why it is so important for patients to keep their appointments. These meetings allow orthodontists to monitor progress and make adjustments to the brackets or wire if necessary. When a patient complies fully with their orthodontist, treatment time may well be shortened.
Share