Have you ever asked yourself how braces work? Many people who come to us at Central Coast Orthodontics ask questions regarding the procedure before beginning orthodontic treatment. But there's no need to worry because braces have a very easy process. If you are getting ready to get braces in Santa Maria, learning the ins and outs of braces may make you more willing to start the treatment.

Movement of Teeth through Braces

The working of braces is very simple. The brace puts gentle pressure on your teeth, thus helping them move into their rightful positions. You would feel that the teeth are not movable considering how well rooted they look in our mouths. In reality, however, the teeth lie in living bones that can change shape.

By applying the proper pressure to specific teeth, your orthodontist makes them move slowly toward their correct position by breaking and remodeling the bone structure around them. At Central Coast Orthodontics, we make sure to move each tooth in the correct direction.

The Main Parts of Braces

There are a few basic parts used in most conventional braces that cooperate in their action during the whole process.

Brackets

Brackets are the small metal squares fixed to the surface of each tooth on the front side. They are used as handles to help move your teeth.

Archwire

This wire connects all brackets, creating a kind of path through which your teeth will travel. It exerts the needed pressure to straighten your teeth.

Rubber Bands

In some cases, rubber bands have to be used to help straighten your bite.

Other Appliances

The need for other appliances like spacers can vary depending on your individual case.

Getting Your Braces On: What to Expect at the Appointment

The appointment itself is straightforward. We clean your teeth well and dry them, then use a special adhesive to attach small brackets to each tooth. Finally, a thin archwire is connected through all of the brackets. You may feel a little pressure, but no pain is involved, and the whole process takes about an hour or two.

Once your treatment is complete and your braces come off, we fit you with a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting back. Some patients prefer a removable retainer, while others prefer a fixed one; we'll help you choose the right option and show you how to care for it.

Types of Braces We Offer

The basic principle is the same for every kind of braces: steady, gentle pressure moves teeth into position. What changes is how the appliance is built. Our traditional metal braces use brackets and an archwire, while LightForce braces use brackets that are 3D-printed and custom-made for each tooth. Not sure whether braces or clear aligners suit you better? Compare them in our guide to traditional braces vs. Invisalign.

Tracking Your Progress Between Visits

Braces work gradually, so we keep a close eye on how your teeth are moving. With Dental Monitoring, you can check in from home with your smartphone, which helps us catch problems early and can mean fewer trips to the office.

What Are The Results Of Wearing Braces?

Patients tend to anticipate immediate movement of their teeth when getting braces. But, orthodontic treatment takes time. During the first couple of days, you will feel some pressure as the teeth begin adjusting themselves to the new conditions.

This pressure means that the process is working well. As time goes by, your teeth will slowly move whenever you go for appointments with your orthodontist. This will come as a surprise to many of you from Santa Maria because the process is very simple.

What Problems Can Braces Fix?

Braces not only straighten your teeth but also increase their efficiency.

The following can be corrected by braces:

• Crowding of the teeth
• Gaps between the teeth
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Jaw discrepancies
• Problems with your bite when eating or talking

If your teeth are straight, you can brush and floss more easily, and this increases their longevity because straight teeth are less likely to develop tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw problems.

How Long Does It Take?

Each and every case has a different duration. Some take as little as 12 months to complete their orthodontic treatments, whereas others can take up to 24 months.

Some factors that influence treatment time include:

• The extent of crowding or misalignment issues
• Patient's age and jawbone development stage
• Adherence to treatment recommendations
• Regular compliance with appointments
• Using the rubber bands/retainers as recommended

We at Central Coast Orthodontics believe in creating treatment plans for each patient that deliver results in the most efficient way possible.

Is It Painful for the Braces to Work?

Braces don't usually cause any pain; instead, they can become sore or tight at some points, particularly immediately after an adjustment.

Most people regard this feeling more as discomfort than pain. You'll adjust fast, and the soreness will disappear after two days or so. Something as simple as choosing soft food or drinking cold beverages might go a long way in helping you adjust to your new braces.

Why it is important to choose a qualified orthodontist

While on their surface braces appear to be quite simple, successful orthodontic treatment is something that requires much planning and experience. The position of each tooth influences the whole treatment plan and your smile as a result.

This is why relying on a professional and experienced orthodontic team is extremely important.

Our highly qualified orthodontists use modern orthodontic technology to help people in Santa Maria get healthy, beautiful smiles.

Central Coast Orthodontics will provide you with everything you need.

Start Your Braces in Santa Maria

If you have been considering braces, now is the best time to look into your options. Modern braces are more comfortable, effective, and convenient than ever before.

No matter if you need braces for yourself, your teenager, or your child, our experts at Central Coast Orthodontics can provide you with all the information you will need to know about treatment from beginning to end. Get your journey towards a healthy, beautiful smile started today.

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