What’s the Science Behind Braces?

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Orthodontic braces in Columbia, SC are available at Tompkins Orthodontics, at our two office locations. Braces are highly effective for realigning teeth and correcting overbites and under bites. But what’s behind this “miraculous” solution for imperfect teeth? If you’ve ever wondered how and why braces work, read on!

The Parts of Braces

Braces consist of several key parts, which are the brackets, the wires (also called the arch wire), and bands. The brackets are the small squares that your orthodontist bonds to the front surface of each tooth. These bonds serve as anchors for the wire that runs through the little loops on the fronts of the brackets. Bands, which wrap around the molars, provide additional support.

Controlled Pressure

Braces work by applying consistent, controlled and gentle pressure to the teeth over an extended period of time. This pressure is exerted and controlled by the wire. When you visit your orthodontist in Columbia, SC, they adjust the tension on the wire, increasing it incrementally with each visit. The tension from the wire creates a gentle force that moves the teeth into their desired positions. This is why, after the adjustment appointment, you may experience slight discomfort from the increased pressure. But that discomfort quickly subsides as teeth begin to shift.

Is it Safe to Move Teeth?

It is safe to move teeth with braces. Each tooth is connected by fibrous connective tissue to the surrounding bone, called the alveolar bone. When braces apply pressure to a tooth, the periodontal ligament on one side of the tooth compresses, while the ligament on the opposite side stretches. This pressure triggers a biological response in the alveolar bone. The bone undergoes a kind of remodeling, a process where old bone tissue is broken down and new bone tissue forms. On the pressure side of the tooth, bone resorption occurs, where bone cells called osteoclasts break down bone tissue. On the tension side, bone deposition takes place, where osteoblasts form new bone tissue. This dynamic process allows the tooth to move and the jawbone to adapt to the new tooth position!

At Tompkins Orthodontics, we’re glad that you’re curious about how braces actually work. We’d be happy to answer any other questions you have, too. Please contact us to book your appointment today!

Foods to Avoid with Braces

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Food provides some of the greatest joys this life has to offer. However, in some instances, it’s best to avoid certain foods based on your current health situation. Unfortunately, this is the case for those who wear braces. To keep these oral appliances working as they should, it’s important to avoid foods that can damage these devices.

Keep reading to learn about the most common foods to avoid if you have braces.

Anything Hard and Crunchy

Biting down on anything overly hard or crunchy could cause serious damage to your braces. Although your orthodontic device is made of metal, it could still damage the wires and brackets that hold the appliance together. Do your best to avoid hard candies, pretzels, nuts, and popcorn. Unfortunately, you may also have to limit eating some healthy foods, such as raw carrots and other hard vegetables.

If you ever experience an issue with your braces, the experts at Tompkins Orthodontics are here to help. We can diagnose the problem quickly and make the repair as soon as possible. Many of our patients say we provide the best orthodontic treatment in Columbia, SC! Call us today to make an appointment.

Chewy and Sticky Foods

Limiting chewy and sticky foods is also a good idea, as these can easily get caught in your braces. Removing these foods from your braces is almost impossible, and they can also cause damage. Furthermore, this stuck food can lead to the growth of excess bacteria, which can cause tooth decay and other dental issues.

Try to avoid the following during your orthodontic treatment:

  • Chewy candy
  • Licorice
  • Caramel
  • Dried fruits
  • Snack bars
  • Peanut butter
  • Chewing gum

While it may be tempting to eat these foods, they can do much more harm than good! Try to avoid them to keep your braces in excellent condition.

Tough Meats

Tough, hard-to-chew meats are another poor food choice for those with braces. Chewing these foods can be very difficult, and they can also get stuck around your brackets and wires. Do your best to avoid eating beef jerky, pork chops, and well-done steak.

Whether you need an orthodontic repair or new treatment, contact Tompkins Orthodontics today to make an appointment! We’re happy to have the toporthodontist in Columbia, SC!