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Understanding How Braces Work

A Smile Can Change Everything

Braces Work
  • Koch Orthodontics
  • | Oct 24, 2018
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, approximately 4 million Americans undergo some form of orthodontic treatment at any given time. Therefore, it is not surprising that we have a lot of questions for our orthodontist about braces and orthodontic treatments, before committing to one. However, what many of us forget is to ask how do braces work.Every day, we rely on a substance that is harder than steel, our teeth. Braces tether your teeth, pulling them together or pushing them apart. With braces, many of us think it’s just straightening your teeth, which is beneficial for self-confidence and self-esteem. But a lot happens when you wear braces. They position your teeth perfectly so that you can have an ideal bite and your teeth function better. The longevity of the teeth is also better, and you have lesser chances of a temporomandibular joint disorder.There are different kinds of braces today. There are the traditional braces that many teenagers and adults still choose since it is the most popular option. The more aesthetic options that people are more aware of are the white ceramic braces and clear aligners, which are popular even amongst teenagers. Clear aligners let you live your life normally with no food restrictions that people with braces have, letting you brush and floss like normal. You and your orthodontist can together decide which option would suit you best.

There are several basic components that in one form or another common to most orthodontic systems. Acting together, they deliver the forces that will efficiently straighten your teeth. Let’s look at the different parts of braces so that you understand better how braces work.

Parts of Braces

  • Brackets – Brackets are the individual attachments that are bonded to each tooth. They can be metal or a tooth color material.
  • Orthodontic Bands – Orthodontic bands are metal rings with special attachments that are usually placed around the back of your teeth.
  • Archwire – The archwire is engaged in each bracket and band and delivers the force that moves the teeth.
  • Dental Bonding – Dental bonding reshapes a chipped or cracked tooth using a tooth-colored composite that helps to achieve a balanced smile.
  • Elastic Ligatures – The elastic ligatures also referred to as ties or color ties are tiny colorful rubber bands that are attached to brackets and hold the archwire in place.
  • Orthodontic Separators – Orthodontic spacers are commonly referred to as spacers that are placed between the molars at your second orthodontic appointment before molar bands are applied. They help space your teeth out before you have your molar bands on.

How Braces Work To Improve Your Smile 

Although today we have different types of braces available, the procedure for getting braces is the same for all.

Your orthodontist will begin by putting on a cheek retractor that holds the lips and cheeks away from the teeth. There is also tooth surfaces are then sterilized using a cotton applicator that prepares them for the glue. The teeth are then rinsed and dried off after which the brackets are put on one at a time.

Each bracket has some glue on them and they are put onto each tooth. Each of the teeth has a very specific bracket for it. There are six different types of brackets that are put on the upper arch, while there are five different types of brackets for the lower arch. Then a special light is used that acts as a catalyst to make the glue harden. The bracket is then set and it becomes a permanent fixture on the teeth.

The next step is putting the archwires onto the braces. The wire is very flexible, but when it hits the body temperature, the wire returns to its original shape. The elastic ligatures are then put on to hold the wire to the braces. As the wire straightens out over time, the crooked teeth become straight. The wire is what puts the pressure on the teeth and causes the teeth to move.

Conclusion

Now since you know the entire process of how braces work, you will be able to sit through a treatment without worrying about how long it is going to take. Visit our Orthodontist in Lawrenceville, GA who can answer more of your questions about dental braces.

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Elise
10/10 – Highly Recommend!
All the staff are super friendly and welcoming. They really take the time to work with you, and the payment plans are very manageable. I appreciate how flexible and understanding they are. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone looking for great service and support
Fanny C.
Just like there moto , “ genuine care” and so does everything goes! We were treated with courtesy and respect. Staff is very friendly and they explained everything every step of the process. There payment plan is awesome!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the review!
Katie O.
Everyone from the front desk to the doctors are excellent. We’ve been very happy with our experience and the care our son has received. The office experience is great, and the monthly payment plan is most helpful. My son of course loves the video game room!
Response from the owner:Hi Katie! Thanks so much for the review. We are so happy that you are enjoying your experience with us!
Yadira L.
Buen trabajo , amavilidad. Confianza Y con una técnicas modernas que hacen un trabajo excelente . Tiene mi hija una sonrisa hermosa Gracias Kool recomendado al 💯
Ann R.
Dr. Koch is the best orthodontist in the Gwinnett area. Get the famous Koch smile. We also love Robin, she has been at this office for a very long time. She is a genuine good hearted person.
Response from the owner:Hi Ann! Thank you so much for the kind words! Our doctors truly love helping out patients achieve their perfect smile! Robin will be thrilled to hear your sweet shoutout, she is definitely a gem on our team!
yolanda M.
Devonte is great here at Koch Orthodontics!!!!
The BEST PLACE TO COME
Response from the owner:Hi Yolanda! Thanks for the love! We agree, Davonte is pretty amazing! We are so happy to hear that you are loving your experience, we think it's the best place too! :)
Charmelle H.
Excellent customer service. Love the vibe in the office. Very comfortable and welcoming. The staff is really awesome and very kind.I would recommend to friends and family.
Response from the owner:Hi Charmelle! we're so glad you felt comfortable and welcomed! Our goal is to make every visit a positive experience. We appreciate your recommendation and love having you as a part of the Koch Ortho Family!
Mike R.
We had our initial consultation and couldn’t be more impressed. The staff was both friendly and extremely knowledgeable. The facilities are top notch, and the treatment plans were presented clearly and plainly so that we understood exactly what we were getting, and how the process would go. We are very excited to begin
Response from the owner:Hi Mike! We are so glad that your first visit made such a great impression! Our team works hard to provide personalized care and we are thrilled that you felt that from the start. We can't wait to begin this journey with you!
Mirela K.
Friendliest staff and the doctors are always very patient. We highly recommend them!:-)))
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the kind words! 😊 We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with our team in Lawrenceville. Your recommendation means the world to us!
Tanisha J.
Davante was amazing he was very professional and gentle.
The entire staff is great!
Response from the owner:We appreciate the kind words, thank you!
Jillian W.
Awesome!!! Koch’s orthodontist is an amazing place. They are clean, professional and nice!
Response from the owner:💙 Wow, Jillian—short and sweet, just like a perfect smile! 😃✨ We love the enthusiasm and truly appreciate your support. Stay awesome! 🦷🎉
MaKaylah M.
Johnny has been phenomenal with my journey! I really appreciate his attention to detail regarding my teeth and answering my many questions. Kudos to him and Dr. Koch for making this a great experience.

Thanks so much!!!
Marquitta Martin
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the wonderful review! 🌟 We’re thrilled to hear that Johnny and Dr. Koch made your journey such a positive one. Your kind words mean the world to us, and we’re so glad you felt cared for every step of the way. We’ll be sure to pass along your kudos to Johnny! 😄
Janna R
Great experience and friendly team from the front office staff to the back office staff. Treatment coordinator was very warm, friendly and transparent! Becky was super sweet, professional and gentle!! Highly recommend to anyone looking to do enhance their smile! 😃
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Janna! 😊 We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience from start to finish. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Becky and our treatment coordinator. Your recommendation means the world to us! 💙
Weeb’s P.
the people are nice, and communicate with you well.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much! 😊 We’re glad you felt our team was kind and communicative — that’s exactly the experience we aim to provide!
Unknown C.
Always a pleasant visit at Koch. Front desk staff greets on arrival, office very clean, and the back staff work fast and efficient. If you need water or coffee it’s an available as well. Dr Koch is very nice as well give great recommendations to help keep your smile beautiful and straight.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Erica! 🌟 We're so happy to hear your visits are always pleasant. From the warm welcome at the front to the efficiency in the back — we’re proud of our team! And we’re glad you’ve had such a great experience with Dr. Koch’s care and recommendations. Keep smiling bright! 😁
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