Enhancing Your Smile Through The Use Of Metal Braces

If you have crooked teeth and you would like to have a great smile, you will need to go through teeth straightening treatment. There are different ways in which your teeth can be straightened.

If your teeth are only slightly out of place, your orthodontist may recommend the use of a removable retainer. You may also be required to use braces in order to correct your condition. There are a variety of braces which are available including the metal braces which are both effective and pocket-friendly.

Components Of Metal Braces

Metal braces are made up of brackets, bands and an archwire. Brackets are small squares made of stainless steel that are fixed onto the front surface of the teeth. They have a slot through which the archwire is placed. Brackets can also be attached onto bands rather than directly on the teeth. Bands are made from stainless steel and are fixed around each tooth to provide a base onto which the brackets can be attached.

The archwires are made from metal and they direct the movement of the teeth to the correct location. Rubber bands can be placed on hooks that are found on the brackets. The rubber bands are tied between the lower and upper teeth in order to properly align the upper teeth against the lower ones. There are braces which have a tube on the band that is on the molar. This tube offers the required support to the archwire so that it can effectively apply pressure to the teeth.

How The Teeth Move

When braces are fixed onto your teeth, the archwire exerts pressure on the teeth. Rubber bands can also be placed on hooks on the brackets in order to increase the pressure in a certain direction. The pressure exerted by the braces is gentle, constant and controlled in order to move the teeth to the required position.

When pressure is exerted on your tooth, the ligaments that are found under the tooth stretch on one side and compress on the other side. This causes the tooth to loosen up enabling it to move to a new position. New bone then grows to maintain the tooth in the new position thus modifying the structure of the bone. The archwire has a tendency to retain its straight shape and the heat from your body causes it to stiffen. The stiffness from the wire applies pressure to your teeth causing them to move in alignment to the wire.

What To Expect During Treatment

The length of your treatment period will depend on how complicated your condition is. Usually, younger patients have a shorter treatment period as their teeth tend to move faster. Generally, you might need to wear your braces for about one to two years, though it can even take longer.

When you have the braces fixed onto your teeth for the first time, you may find it difficult to eat and to speak clearly. Your mouth may also be sore for a few days due to the friction between the braces and your cheeks. However, after a few days you will get used to the braces and you will be able to eat and speak with ease. You will need to thoroughly brush your teeth after every meal to maintain your oral health.


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Dr Nino Gullotta is a highly skilled and talented orthodontist who has been offering great smiles to clients for over thirty years. He is very experienced in administering metal braces and provides excellent personalized services. For more details, please visit http://gullottaorthodontics.com.au/braces-gold-coast/metal-braces/ .