The Science Behind Orthodontic Braces
Do you realize that your teeth can move? They do, and in fact, you can be responsible for the direction they take. Simply put, your teeth are subject to all forms of stresses – biting, cutting, gnawing, mashing, among others – and are not set in concrete, but in living bone. Periodontal ligaments are elastic tissue strands that attach teeth to the bone and causes teeth to move with the forces applied to them. There are micro-movements happening around teeth all the time. Being living tissues, there is constant changing and remodeling.
If a pulling, controlled tension is applied on a tooth, it will cause new bone to be formed on that side of the force. With it will be formation of new ligament and new cementum (that layer which covers the roots of teeth). On the one hand, controlled pressure is applied on the same tooth, there will be some bone reduction or cells trying to resorb bone tissue and ligament tissue on that side, allowing for movement of the tooth. In orthodontia, because the forces applied are controlled and measured, it will enable the final positioning of dentition in the bony arches, securing and stabilizing teeth in the places they are designed to stay.
Such is the goal of orthodontic treatment. Your dentist or orthodontist will work on a treatment plan just for your unique case, creating the brackets, the bands and wires, so that the right pull and pressure are applied to particular teeth. Depending on the amount of movement required for your dental condition, the treatment can be as simple or as complex.
Bellevue Dental Braces for the Right Candidate
If you think you might need orthodontic treatment, better to consult first with Overlake Dental. Know more about dental braces from our caring experts. Here, we offer Bellevue braces plus other options not just for esthetics, but also for return to normal function and overall health.