Do the wires on braces get thicker?

At most appointments you will have the wires on your braces changed. As you continue with your brace treatment you will notice that the wires used become thicker and more rectangular in shape.

What does changing the wire on braces do?

As your teeth get straighter, your orthodontist will exchange your wires for stronger wires that are usually less elastic and stiffer. These stronger, stiffer wires allow the orthodontist to have more control over tooth movements.

How often do wires get changed on braces?

In order to achieve this, wire change appointments should occur every 4 weeks. Teeth are moving very fast during Stage 1 so it's important to take advantage of the movement and mobility of teeth. Do not let patient appointment intervals extend beyond 6 to 8 weeks as is protocol with standard treatment.

Why does my braces wire get longer?

Wire Long or Poking Out the Back

There are 2 reasons as to why a wire may be long: it has shifted or the last tooth has moved forward as a normal part of space closure. If the wire has shifted, it will be short on one side of your mouth and long on the other. Try to shift the wire back.

What do thin wires do for braces?

Colligation: A thin metal wire that is criss-crossed around the brackets under the wire to help keep the space closed between the teeth.

Braces Wire Tightening - Why

What is the last stage of braces?

The third and final phase of orthodontic treatment is the retention phase. This phase occurs once the teeth have moved into the desired position and the use of the dental appliance ceases.

What are the 5 stages of braces?

How many stages of braces are there?

There are three general stages of braces and Invisalign treatment: the planning stage, the active stage, and the retention stage. All three phases are super important.

Why is my wire suddenly poking me?

When space closes between your teeth, the wire that supported them may be too long for the new position of your teeth. This is very normal and to be expected. Sometimes it's minor and doesn't result in discomfort, but in other cases, the space closure is substantial and the wire may poke.

How long can you go without tightening your braces?

Can I skip 2 to 3 months of orthodontic adjustments? Yes- you can go a few months without an orthodontic adjustment, and it will not cause any damage to your teeth. It may, however, add 2 to 3 months to your treatment time. Orthodontic wires can continue to straighten teeth for several months after being placed.

How many times do braces get tightened?

While every patient is different, you should generally have your braces adjusted or tightened every 4-10 weeks. Keep in mind, though – your orthodontist will personalise your braces treatment to your individual needs, so there's no exact adjustment time that will suit everyone.

Why hasn't my orthodontist change my wire?

Braces wires are not changed every visit due to two main reasons namely: 1) The teeth have not fully aligned to the shape of the current wire and more time is needed for the desired tooth movement to be achieved. Tooth movement is a biological process, hence it does not happen equally for everyone or every tooth.

How do I know my braces are working?

“How do I know if my braces are working?” The short answer is that if your teeth are experiencing any discomfort at all, your braces are working. Although discomfort disappears a few days after every adjustment or Invisalign tray change, the shifting of your teeth is a sign that your braces are working.

Why are braces tightened every 6 weeks?

We need to adjust your braces every 4-6 weeks in order to monitor the movement of your teeth. Otherwise, your teeth may shift in an unwanted direction, which may affect the overall health of your teeth. This may even extend treatment time.

Are braces wires supposed to stick out?

Orthodontic braces can be uncomfortable, especially if a wire is sticking out and poking the soft tissues of the mouth. This problem is not uncommon. As teeth shift or as a patient eats, a wire can bend or pull out of one side of a bracket.

Can scissors cut braces wire?

In certain cases, the wire can be carefully cut with a nail clipper or fingernail scissors. If you cut the wire, make sure to hold one end of the wire or place a tissue or piece of gauze around it so it can be removed from the mouth.

Will my braces stop cutting me?

So, when do braces stop cutting your mouth for good? The one thing that we guarantee to stop your braces from cutting your cheeks is time. Once your mouth gets used to the metal brackets, the soreness will go away. After a few weeks, the inside of your mouth will get tougher and any irritations should resolve.

What color is best for braces?

Choose light blue, bronze, dark purple or subdued reds and pinks to complement lighter skin tones. Choose darker colors to make your teeth appear whiter. Watch out for lighter colors that could make your teeth look more yellow. Consider colors that complement or match your eyes.

Why do top braces go on first?

In addition, it is normal to start treatment by having the braces installed on the top teeth first. The top teeth and jawbone take longer to align and move compared to the bottom teeth. After a period of time, based on what needs to be done to the bottom teeth and jawbone, the bottom braces are then installed.

Do braces leave stains?

While braces usually do a great job of straightening our teeth, they can sometimes leave discoloration behind once they're removed. There are even several ways to minimize or remove the appearance of staining if it affects your teeth. Yet the best way to get rid of braces staining is to avoid it in the first place.

What stage is power chains?

Usually, power chains become part of your treatment after the first phase of alignment. They can be used to help align your teeth or correct your bite, but are most often used to close gaps between the teeth. You might have a gap after a tooth has been extracted.

Do your teeth move the first month of braces?

By the end of the first month, you may see your teeth have moved slightly. From there, each time you get your braces adjusted, your teeth will move just a little more. After several months, there will be significant movement, and people you know may notice your teeth moving.

How do braces work the first month?

First Few Months in Braces

In many cases, it is only the maxillary (upper) teeth brackets that are applied in this initial stage. A low and constant pressure is applied along the archwire that is attached to the brackets which causes tension and compression on your teeth and periodontal ligaments.

How long are finishing wires for braces on?

These are all part of moving or guiding the teeth onto the wire and into the correct positions. Usually worn for between 2 and 6 months, patient-elastics guide the teeth in to the best possible biting position and help achieve the best possible result in the quickest time.

How can I speed up my braces?