Traditional orthodontic care remains one of the most effective ways to correct alignment. VIP Smiles Orthodontics provides a variety of braces options tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, our team will guide you every step of the way. Call (601) 321-9216 to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options.
How Braces Correct Alignment and Bite Problems
Orthodontic braces have been used for decades to address a wide range of dental alignment and bite issues. While new treatment methods have emerged, braces remain a reliable solution for patients with mild to severe concerns. Understanding how they work can help you feel more confident about starting treatment and more committed to following through with your orthodontist’s plan.
Understanding the Problems Braces Can Fix
Misalignment and bite problems vary from one person to another. Some are purely cosmetic, while others can affect chewing, speech, and oral health. Braces are designed to address:
- Crowding – when teeth overlap because there is not enough space in the jaw.
- Spacing – gaps between teeth caused by missing teeth or extra jaw space.
- Overbite – the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth.
- Underbite – the lower front teeth extend beyond the upper teeth.
- Crossbite – upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth when biting down.
- Open bite – front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are together.
These conditions can be caused by genetics, early loss of baby teeth, prolonged thumb sucking, or jaw growth patterns. Left untreated, they can contribute to tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and gum issues.
The Role of Brackets, Wires, and Bands
Braces are made up of several parts that work together to move teeth into a healthier position.
Brackets are the small square attachments placed on each tooth. They are bonded with dental adhesive and serve as anchors for the archwire.
Archwires run through the brackets and provide the force that guides tooth movement. Over time, these wires are adjusted to create steady, controlled pressure.
Elastic bands or ligatures hold the archwire in place. In some cases, small rubber bands are also used to connect the upper and lower jaws, helping to correct bite problems.
Each part plays a role in shifting teeth and improving bite function, making braces a highly customizable treatment.
How Braces Move Teeth
Tooth movement happens through a process called bone remodeling. When pressure is applied to a tooth, the bone on one side of the root breaks down slightly, while new bone builds up on the other side. This allows the tooth to gradually move without causing damage.
Orthodontists adjust the wires and bands at regular intervals to maintain consistent pressure. This step-by-step approach keeps movement steady and predictable. Depending on the complexity of your case, treatment can last anywhere from several months to a few years.
Correcting Alignment vs. Correcting Bite
Alignment and bite issues often overlap, but they are addressed differently.
Tooth alignment refers to the position of each individual tooth. Straightening alignment involves moving teeth so they sit evenly along the arch.
Bite correction focuses on how the upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed. This may involve moving entire groups of teeth or adjusting jaw positioning.
Braces can handle both at the same time, but bite correction may require additional tools such as elastics, springs, or other orthodontic appliances.
Adjustments and Progress Checks
You will visit your orthodontist regularly during treatment, often every four to eight weeks. During these visits, your orthodontist may tighten the wires, change elastic bands, or make other modifications to keep your progress on track.
These adjustments can cause mild soreness for a few days, but discomfort typically fades quickly. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods can make this period easier to manage.
Progress checks are also a time for your orthodontist to make sure your oral hygiene is keeping up with treatment demands. Proper cleaning is essential to prevent plaque buildup around brackets and wires.
Special Appliances for Complex Cases
Some bite and alignment problems require more than standard braces. Orthodontists may use:
- Palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw.
- Headgear to guide jaw growth or correct severe bite issues.
- Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) to provide additional points of pressure for specific tooth movements.
These tools are chosen based on your treatment goals and jaw structure. While they may add steps to your plan, they can make difficult cases more manageable without surgery.
The Importance of Consistent Care
Braces only work as planned if you take care of them and follow your orthodontist’s instructions. This includes:
- Brushing and flossing thoroughly every day.
- Avoiding sticky, hard, or chewy foods that can damage brackets or wires.
- Wearing rubber bands or other removable appliances exactly as directed.
- Attending every scheduled appointment for adjustments.
A broken bracket or missed appointment can delay progress and extend treatment time. Staying consistent ensures you reach your goals as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Life After Braces
Once your braces are removed, your teeth will be straighter, and your bite will function more efficiently. However, the work doesn’t end there. Teeth can shift over time if they are not held in place.
Your orthodontist will provide a retainer, which may be removable or fixed. Wearing your retainer as instructed is the best way to protect your results for years to come.
Benefits Beyond a Straighter Smile
While most people think of braces as a way to improve appearance, their benefits go much deeper. A corrected bite can reduce strain on the jaw joint, make chewing more effective, and lower the risk of uneven tooth wear. Straighter teeth are also easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Orthodontic treatment can also improve speech for some patients by correcting tongue placement or closing gaps that affect pronunciation.
Why Braces Remain a Trusted Option
Even with the rise of clear aligners, braces remain a trusted and versatile choice. They are especially effective for complex movements, significant bite corrections, and patients who may not be consistent with removable aligners. Because braces are fixed in place, they work continuously without relying on patient wear time.
Orthodontists can also fine-tune braces more precisely for small adjustments near the end of treatment, ensuring your final result is as close to perfect as possible.
Braces are more than just a cosmetic tool. They are a highly effective method for improving both tooth position and bite function. By understanding how they work and following your treatment plan closely, you can achieve a healthier, more functional smile that lasts.
The process takes time and commitment, but the results are worth it—both for your appearance and your overall oral health.
Achieve Lasting Results With Braces
When it comes to time-tested orthodontic treatment, braces remain a reliable and effective option for patients of all ages. At VIP Smiles Orthodontics, we offer personalized plans that prioritize comfort and long-term success. Whether you’re correcting minor misalignments or complex bite issues, our team is here to help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile. Call us at (601) 321-9216 to schedule a consultation and discover how braces can positively impact your oral health for years to come.