You may have had braces as a teenager, or maybe you’re considering them for your own children. Either way, you probably have some questions about how they work. We’re here to answer all of your questions about braces! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about these orthodontic devices.
What are braces brackets?
When most people think of braces, they picture the metal brackets that are cemented to the front of their teeth. However, braces aren’t just for looks. They’re also an essential tool for orthodontists who are correcting misaligned teeth.
Brackets are usually made of stainless steel or titanium, and they’re attached to the front surfaces of each tooth. Once they’re in place, a thin wire is threaded through the brackets and tightened.
This wire applies pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into alignment. While braces brackets are the most common type of braces, there are also other types that use clear plastic or ceramic materials. Ultimately, though, all braces work toward the same goal, which is to give you a straighter, more beautiful smile.
How do bracket braces work?
Braces are often used to correct misalignments of the teeth or jaw, but how do they work? The brackets that are attached to the teeth are connected by a wire. This wire is then adjusted by the orthodontist in order to gradually move the teeth into the desired position, usually over 12–24 months depending on the severity of the misalignment.
The braces exert a constant force on the teeth, which slowly moves them over time. With proper care and maintenance, braces can be an effective way to achieve straighter teeth.
During this time, you will need to visit your orthodontist for periodic adjustments.
Do bracket braces hurt? We found out what most people thought, and we reported it to you in this article:
What foods should I avoid with bracket braces?
You’ll want to avoid any hard or sticky foods while you have braces. Chewing on hard candy or ice can damage your braces, and sticky foods can get caught in them and cause cavities. Be sure to cut up hard fruits and vegetables into small pieces, and avoid chewing gum entirely.
How do I fix a loose bracket on braces at home?
If you have a loose bracket on your braces, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do at home to fix the problem. First, try using orthodontic wax. This sticky substance will help to hold the bracket in place.
If that doesn’t work, you can also ask your orthodontist for special rubber bands to have on hand just in case. These can be used to secure loose brackets. With a little patience and care, you should be able to fix your loose bracket just enough to be able to make it to a newly scheduled appointment to fix it properly at the orthodontist’s office.
What to do if braces bracket comes off
It’s important to know what to do if a bracket comes off, it happens.
First, try to reattach the bracket using orthodontic wax for a temporary fix. If that doesn’t work, or if the bracket is damaged, call your orthodontist to make an appointment for it to be reglued or repaired. In the meantime, be careful not to eat sticky or hard foods that could cause the bracket to come off again.
Avoid playing with the loose bracket, as this could also cause it to come off. Taking good care of your braces will help ensure that you can get the best possible results from your orthodontic treatment.
How do I brush my teeth properly with bracket braces?
It’s important to brush your teeth thoroughly when you have braces, since food can easily get stuck in them. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and natural toothpaste. Be sure to brush around each wire and bracket. You may also want to use a water flosser to help remove any food particles that are stuck in your teeth.
Floss for braces
Flossing is super important, especially with braces. No one wants bleeding gums resulting from food being stuck where it shouldn’t be, creating inflammation as it degrades.
For those with braces, there are specialized tools that have come on the market that help immensely with the flossing process. This helps improve flossing habits and frequency, making the whole orthodontic experience that much better. Read our article about flossing and floss for braces to discover what products make flossing with braces much easier:
Stock your braces kit
To ensure that you have the best tools to care for your teeth and braces during this journey, it is recommended that you have a stocked braces kit. What should be in this kit? Read our article here for full details.
Concluding Thoughts
We hope this has answered all of your questions about bracket braces. You are well on your way to a straighter and even more beautiful smile. We wish you well on your orthodontic journey!
