Reasons Why My Braces Need Tightened
May 10, 2023 Image Credit:Orthodontic braces are a common dental treatment used to correct the alignment of teeth and jaws. Traditional braces consist of brackets that are bonded onto the teeth and connected by a wire that is fixed over time to move the teeth into their proper positions slowly. One of the most important aspects of orthodontic treatment is the periodic tightening of the braces, which serves several important purposes.
Reasons Why Braces Need To Be Tightened
- The primary reason why orthodontists tighten braces is to apply gentle, steady pressure to the teeth in order to move them into their correct positions gradually. When the braces are first applied, they may be somewhat loose or easy to move. Over time, as the teeth begin to shift, the wire connecting the braces becomes loose, and the braces need to be tightened to maintain the proper pressure.
- Another reason why orthodontists tighten braces is to address any issues that may have arisen during the course of treatment. For example, if a tooth is not moving as quickly as expected, the orthodontist may tighten the braces to increase the pressure on that tooth and encourage it to move more quickly.
- Finally, tightening the braces helps to ensure that the treatment stays on track and progresses as planned. Regular adjustments and tightening ensure that the teeth are moving in the right direction and at the right speed and that the overall treatment is achieving the desired results.