Hey there, this could be a VERY stupid question. I watched a lot videos on YouTube which shows how braces work. But I never understood how the braces pull and move the teeth instead of just staying there in the same shape it is put on. I can understand how it works when the brackets of an upper tooth and a lower tooth are connected using a rubber band. But how can the braces exert force on its on when put only on the upper or lower set of teeth? I mean, it’s metal which bends, and it is put on teeth which are bigger and probably stronger. Or is this any different type of metal which tend to come to it’s original state even if it gets bend?
Sorry for the bad English. Thank you!
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Braces need adjustment every month or so. What happens at each adjustment is that the dentist will tighten/reshape the wire connecting the brackets on the teeth, so that it pulls closer and closer to the ideal shape.
The metal bracket itself doesn’t apply any force on the tooth. It’s just stuck to the tooth and doesn’t move. The wire and rubber bands that go between the teeth are set up carefully in a manner that will push or pull the teeth to a desired position in the jaw. Again, they need adjustment frequently, so that they continue to move the teeth in the right direction.
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