How Do Braces Move Teeth?

Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics can help you take the first step toward improving your smile! We provide the expertise and resources for wearing braces, but how do they move your teeth? Our team is here to share how braces can shift your teeth into the perfect position, the benefits of a new smile, and your treatment options with us.

Understanding How Braces Move Teeth

Constructed of brackets, wires, bonding cement, and elastics, these components work together to shift your teeth by placing measure pressure on them over a long period of time. The placement of your brackets changes the effectiveness of your treatment and is determined by diagnostics taken during your free consultation with Dr. Whitaker. 

The archwire, which does most of the alignment work, requires adjustments and tightenings conducted during your follow-up appointments to ensure your teeth continue moving in the right direction. Your gum tissue and bones remodel as everything shifts, helping you achieve your perfect smile. At the end of treatment, we will provide you with a retainer to keep everything in the same position long-term.

Is It Painful?

Any discomfort or irritation that arises from braces treatment is temporary. You don’t need to worry about feeling pain throughout the process. To address any concerns, Dr. Whitaker can provide you with resources, such as orthodontic wax and over-the-counter pain medication recommendations. If the discomfort lasts more than a week, let our team know, and we will help you resolve it.

Maintaining Your Appliance

To keep treatment on track, Dr. Whitaker encourages patients to maintain a daily routine of brushing and flossing their teeth, sticking to braces-safe foods, and attending follow-up appointments. Dedicating time to each step ensures your braces remain in perfect condition. Our team can answer any questions to help you stay on track.

The Advantages of a Straightened Teeth

Some believe that braces are used purely for aesthetic results. While a beautiful smile is a great benefit from treatment, you can also expect improvements in your general health, such as smoother digestion, improved speech patterns, more accessible oral care, and decreased chances of decay, cavities, and other complications. We look forward to each patient leaving with a smile they are proud of!

Our Treatment Options

Our practice proudly provides our patients with two brace options: metal and clear. Metal braces remain a strong and reliable appliance option for those looking to improve their teeth alignment. They advance each year, providing a comfortable experience from day one with sleek brackets and thin wires. Clear braces use the same technology but offer a more inconspicuous appearance with tooth-colored components that blend in with your smile! Dr. Whitaker can help you decide which appliance will best treat your case.

Start Your Brand-New Smile Here!

When you are ready to begin braces treatment, you can count on Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics to help you achieve your smile goals. We provide free consultations with Dr. Whitaker at our practice in Tuscaloosa and welcome everyone in the surrounding communities. Schedule yours today! Our team can’t wait to help you get started.