What is Braces?

Dental braces, better known in the dentist’s office as orthodontic cases, are a series of wires and anchors placed on each tooth to pull the teeth together with tension. The purpose is to straighten and align teeth that may have grown in crooked or sideways or been shifted due to an impact. The repositions occurs over time, and the eventual result is a better bite as well as a more appealing appearance when a person smiles.

Braces are not applied until a dentist has made thorough examination of a patient and has determined a serious alignment is necessary. Minor alignments are often served by a different tool, known as a retainer, which is a removal wire unit that applies tension to a row of teeth. Braces follow the same principle but apply more tension. They are also permanently glued to the patient’s teeth until removed by a dentist after the desired change has occurred. Braces take some getting used to, which is why many cases are applied to children before their adult teeth become set in place over time. Braces are custom-tailored to the patient, so the process requires a number of visits and professional installation by a dentist.