Under the gum tissue surrounding your teeth is a membrane that lies between your teeth and jawbone. As teeth move, this membrane is stretched on one side and compressed on the other. This action loosens the teeth. The bone then grows to fill in the loosened space.
Braces are the devices used to move the teeth. Our expert in braces in San Fernando Valley uses two basic types of braces.
Bracketed Braces
Traditional bracketed braces have four main components.
• A bracket, made of metal or ceramic, is attached to each tooth.
• Bonding material or a metal band is used to attach the bracket to the tooth.
• A thin metal wire called an arch wire runs from one bracket to another, applying pressure on the teeth.
• Ligature elastic is used to connect each bracket to the arch wire.
The arch wire places constant mild pressure on the teeth, which, over time, moves them into alignment.
Invisalign
Invisalign consists of a set of clear plastic aligner trays that are worn over the teeth. The trays exert a small amount of pressure on the teeth, causing them to move very slightly. The trays are worn sequentially for approximately two weeks per tray. Each new tray moves the teeth a little farther, until they are moved into correct alignment.
Contact our San Fernando Valley dentist to further discuss the different types of braces or to find out which type is right for you.