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Central Texas Orthodontics

512-292-1910
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How Do Teeth Move With Braces?

Braces Austin TX

Although teeth seem to be solidly fixed in their sockets (at least they don’t wobble when we chew!), all teeth can easily be moved if Drs. Brian St. Louis and George Cantu and our staff attach brackets and wires to them called Braces Austin TX. In the past, all braces were made of stainless steel, but today’s advanced dental technology gives people the option of wearing transparent, acrylic mouth trays called Invisalign®, or relying on traditional metal braces for correcting malocclusions.

Brackets, Slots, and Arch Wires – Oh My!

When light pressure is consistently exerted on teeth, they will gradually move in the direction of the force. For example, affixing brackets to front teeth and threading a flexible, metal wire through tiny slots on the front of the brackets allows the orthodontist to tighten this arch wire enough to initiate the desired movement of teeth. Generally, orthodontic patients visit Central Texas Orthodontics once a month to have this wire tightened to keep teeth moving in the desired direction.

Tissues surrounding the teeth that experience pressure from arch wires will slowly (and, for the most part, painlessly) stretch, and allow the socket to enlarge so the tooth and its root become looser temporarily. This allows the root to move without causing bleeding or pain. Once Drs. Brian St. Louis and George Cantu and our staff are satisfied with the repositioning of teeth, we will remove the braces and let bone material fill in the socket so that teeth are solidified into their new (and straighter) positions.

Clear Braces vs. Traditional Braces

Both types of orthodontic corrective devices move teeth in the same manner: by applying a continual force against teeth. Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are mouth trays made of hard acrylic material that people wear for at least 23 hours a day. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign can be removed for eating and brushing purposes and the aligners are nearly invisible because of their transparency.

Invisalign aligners are usually reserved for people with gaps between their teeth or whose teeth are only slightly crooked. Traditional metal braces are often necessary when severe malocclusion exists and requires more pressure than Invisalign offers.

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Central Texas Orthodontics
3413 W. Slaughter Ln,
Austin, TX 78748
Phone: 512-292-1910

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Recent Posts

  • Braces and School: Managing Your Orthodontic Treatment While Studying
  • Can Orthodontics Fix Sleep Apnea? Surprising Connections Revealed
  • The Science Behind Invisalign: How Do Clear Aligners Work?
  • Top 10 Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment for Kids
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