Braces
Braces, used in a specialized form of dentistry called orthodontics, are the most popular way to straighten teeth and correct misaligned jaws. When we talk about “conventional braces”, the modern standard includes tiny metal or resin brackets, bonded to the outer surface of teeth, with a metal wire running through them.
With this lightweight wire in place, pressure is used to gradually move the teeth into new positions, over time. The orthodontist is specially-trained in how to apply steady pressure using the wires and rubber bands connected to the braces. This is how braces move the teeth millimeter by millimeter, helping to correct the way teeth are aligned over a series of months.
When a patient has braces, he must visit the orthodontist’s office at regular intervals for small adjustments, which usually include tightening the wires and inspecting the teeth’s movement.
Every patient wears braces for a different length of time, but it is common to wear braces for two years. During that time, patients should take special care of their teeth and gums. And after the treatment, the orthodontist removes the braces and many patients need to wear a retainer, a thin plastic covering for the teeth that’s shaped like a mouth guard. Retainers ensure teeth don't begin to shift back to their original positions.