Dental question about taxonomy:treatment:braces
Braces use brackets, wires, and controlled forces to move teeth and guide the bite over a planned series of adjustments.
The short answer
Braces are fixed orthodontic appliances that use brackets and an archwire to apply controlled force, gradually repositioning teeth and improving the bite. Attachments, elastics, springs, or other auxiliaries may be added for specific movements.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
A bracket is bonded to each selected tooth and holds the wire. The wire is changed or adjusted as teeth respond, while the periodontal ligament and surrounding bone remodel around the moving roots.
What can you do next?
The orthodontist examines alignment, jaw relationship, tooth roots, gums, and cleaning ability, often using photographs and radiographs. Treatment then follows a sequence of wire changes or aligner-related appointments, with careful brushing around brackets and daily cleaning between teeth.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek orthodontic advice for crowding, protruding teeth, an uneven bite, or teeth that are difficult to clean. Contact the practice promptly if a wire is cutting the cheek, a bracket detaches, or swelling and severe pain develop.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask what bite problem is being treated, which appliance is proposed, how retainers will maintain the result, and how existing fillings or gum conditions affect planning. Ask how emergencies and missed appointments are handled.
Frequently asked questions
Can braces move adult teeth?
Adult teeth can be moved when the teeth, gums, bone, and overall treatment plan are suitable for orthodontic forces.
Why are retainers needed?
Teeth can shift after active treatment, so retainers help hold the corrected positions while tissues adapt.