What is the thinner wire 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. Elastics: Small special “rubber bands” that placed over the hooks or Koby ties. These are used to move your teeth into their proper places.

Are there different size wires for braces?

Arch wires come in different sizes and have different material compositions. When you first start treatment with braces, your teeth are crooked. The wire that attaches to your braces must be able to return to its original shape when it is deformed or bent.

Why do I need a thicker wire on my braces?

Space Closure. Stage two is when your braces start to fix the gaps between your teeth. Because this requires more force, your wire will start to become thicker. This will keep your teeth upright and straight so they don't move backwards or into any other awkward position.

What are the different wires used for braces?

Types of wire

The three most common types of archwires are those made from stainless steel, beta-titanium, and nickel-titanium.

What is the final wire of braces?

Once that wire has performed the initial alignment, a larger wire is used. This larger wire is thicker and stiffer, and it completes most of the work. The final wire is the largest, stiffest, and has the ability to be bent. This wire allows for fine detailing through minor wire bends.

Braces Wire Tightening - Why

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.

What is the first wire for braces?

Initial arch wires are the first arch wires to be inserted into the fixed appliance at the beginning of orthodontic treatment and are used mainly for the alignment of teeth by correcting crowding and rotations.

How often do orthodontists change wires?

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.

What does a curved wire do for braces?

The central function of the archwire is to shift the teeth into their proper positions. It is responsible for most movements that occur in the mouth during treatment.

Is elastics the last stage of braces?

This can be the last phase, so if you are wondering, “are elastics the last stage of braces,” the answer is “yes” if your braces are there to also help with bite correction. Now, if your bands are there to help move your teeth, you may need to start using them during the earlier phases of this treatment.

Why do my teeth look worse after braces?

During the process of alignment, especially during the first 6 months, you may notice that things look worse before they look better. Here's why: Although your teeth may be crooked or spaced out when you start treatment, they have usually drifted into a position where they are stable and functional.

Why did my orthodontist change my wire?

During the tightening process itself, your orthodontist will fit your wire to your brackets so that they will continue to exert pressure. He or she may even remove your wire and replace it with a new one. When the process is done, it might not seem like much is different – just as if you had a trip to the dentist.

Why do my teeth hurt with power chains?

When this happens, the orthodontist replaces the individual ligatures in your brackets with the rings of the power chain. It's normal to experience pain or discomfort after your braces are adjusted, including after a power chain is added or replaced. This typically only lasts for a few days after the adjustment.

What does a stainless steel wire do for braces?

Stainless steel archwires have high stiffness, low springiness, corrosion resistant, low range and good formability. These wires are often cheaper than the other archwires and can readily be used as "working" archwires in an orthodontic treatment.

Do braces work without the wires?

Without archwires, orthodontists wouldn't be able to fix issues with your teeth. Archwires are changed out periodically during the treatment process as the need for different strength wires arises.

Does tightening your braces hurt?

As mentioned previously, adjusting and getting your braces tightened can cause soreness and pain for a few days. The discomfort is not as bad and takes a few days to get used to your teeth' increased pressure. Each adjustment is a step toward straight teeth, but sometimes the movement of teeth can be painful.

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.

Can braces be adjusted every 2 weeks?

Patients with severely crooked teeth may need to have their braces tightened more frequently – although even in severe cases it's unlikely you would need your braces tightened every 2 weeks for the entire treatment period.

Why do orthodontist put top braces 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.

How do you know when your braces are almost done?

What do braces do the first month?

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 can I speed up my braces?

How often are braces tightened?

Frequency of Braces Tightening

The average frequency is 4-6 weeks. They might call you sooner or later, depending on your case. But sometimes, you might need braces tightening before your scheduled appointment.