Orthodontic Tooth Movement

How does it happen?
Orthodontic tooth movement takes place by pushing on your teeth in a very specialized and controlled way. It is a complex and unique biological process that involves a change in the bone that surrounds the teeth.

The brackets that have been bonded to your teeth are like little handles — on their own, they will not straighten your teeth. The special archwires, as well as other accessories that you may need during your treatment (hooks, elastics, springs, etc.) are attached to the brackets, and provide the proper force to straighten your teeth.

When does it happen?
Orthodontic tooth movement is a continuous process... except if a bracket is loose or broken. Please keep us informed if you have any problems or breakages so that we can schedule appropriate time for repairs. It is important for the forces on the teeth to be constant; otherwise, the straightening process stops.

What can I do to encourage healthy orthodontic tooth movement?
Keep your teeth and brackets clean! We will show you how to do this. Studies have shown that orthodontic treatment progresses only when the gums and teeth are healthy. Keep your brackets on! They have been properly bonded to your teeth with a very strong material, but you must take special care to make sure that you do not loosen them. We will discuss diet modifications with you.

Will it hurt? (This is a very popular question!)
Your mouth and teeth may feel tender for three or four days after your brackets are bonded. We recommend that you take Advil or Tylenol (not Aspirin) in appropriate dosages for relief. You may also feel similar discomfort following appointments when your archwires are changed... but usually, to a lesser degree. We will also show you how to apply wax to the brackets in order to make them feel smoother against the inside of your lips and cheeks.