About Braces
How do braces work?
Braces use constant gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions for function as well as aesthetics. Your braces are at work every moment of your orthodontic treatment. The two main components of your braces are the brackets that are placed on the teeth and the main archwire that connects the brackets. The bracket is a piece of shaped metal or ceramic that is affixed to each tooth. The archwire is bent to reflect the “ideal” bite.
The archwire is made of a “space age” material that has memory. This allows the wire to stretch and then return to its original shape, thereby making the braces cause the teeth to gently move into the prescribed position. Picture the teeth resting in the jawbone. With pressure on one side from the archwire; the bone on the other side gives way. The tooth moves. New bone grows in behind.
There are different types of braces:
Metal braces are the most popular. But they are not the metal braces of the past. Today’s braces are small, lightweight and comfortable to maintain. Everyone loves the different-colored ligature ties… because ligatures are changed at each appointment, the colors can also be changed.
Translucent clear ceramic braces are often popular with adults. You have to be very close to someone to be able to see them.
For “braces without braces,” we offer Invisalign clear aligners. They are virtually invisible. Aligners are changed approximately every two weeks so that teeth are moved little by little. Patients receive aligners to last about six weeks, so appointments can be spread out to adjust to busy schedules. Invisalign braces are the answer for patients who travel frequently because their appointments can be adjusted to their schedule.
For more information about Invisalign braces, call Bethesda Orthodontics.
To schedule an appointment, call 301.530.8191. You can use our online form to Request an Appointment or download our New Patient Form. We also encourage and welcome your referrals; please use our Referral Form. For more information, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .