Why do they put thicker wires on braces?

A thicker wire is stronger, which usually creates more movement in the teeth than a thinner wire. Arch wires are often switched out at your follow-up appointments to change the tension on the teeth.

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.

What do thicker wires do?

Resistance (ohms per 1000 feet).

A wire's electrical resistance depends on its length and thickness. Longer wires provide greater resistance than shorter wires. Given two wires of the same length, the thicker wire would have smaller resistance than the thinner wire. (e.g., At 25° C, AWG 4 wire has a resistance of .

Do brace wires get thicker?

As you continue with your brace treatment you will notice that the wires used become thicker and more rectangular in shape. This is because these rectangular wires fit more snuggly in to the slot in the brackets, progressively moving the teeth in to their final position.

What is the final wire for 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?

Are Elastics the last stage of braces?

Are 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.

What is the strongest wire for braces?

Beta-titanium archwires have a level of strength and elasticity somewhere between that of stainless steel and nickel-titanium. Some orthodontists choose this type of wire during the middle of orthodontic treatment when they start to need a stiffer wire.

How many stages are there in braces?

Orthodontic treatment and your road to a winning smile typically entails three stages – the Planning Stage, Active Stage, and Retention Stage.

How do I know my braces are ready to come off?

Are thicker wires better?

The thin wire will conduct electricity, but there is more electrical resistance. The thicker wire is like the four lane highway. There's a lot less electrical resistance, and as a result, that light bulb burns brighter because more electricity can reach it.

Is Thicker wire always better?

Thicker is never worse than thinner electrically, but after some diameter the extra area gives you less and less return. This effect is proportional to frequency, so thicker cable is more useful for something like 60 Hz power as apposed to 10 kHz signal to a loudspeaker.

How many different wires are used for braces?

There are three main types of material compositions for arch wires: 1) Stainless Steel; 2) Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti); and 3) Beta-Titanium.

How often should braces be tightened?

Your orthodontist is the best person to tell you when you need 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.

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's the average time you wear braces?

On average, it takes about 24 months to complete an orthodontic treatment. Some patients require less than 12 months, but there are also patients requiring up to 3 years of treatment before their teeth reach the desired position. Orthodontics is not a one-size-fits-all solution and each patient's mouth is unique.

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.

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.

What happens at the end of braces treatment?

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.

Why do I have hooks on my braces?

Hooks are what they sound like: small metal hooks that extend off the brackets. Some hooks are removable, but most hooks are attached to the brackets. We use hooks to attach coil springs or elastics (rubber bands), which can help us adjust spacing issues or change the alignment of the jaws.

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.

When do power chains stop hurting?

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.

Why do elastics hurt so much?

It's normal to feel some discomfort when using rubber bands with your braces. This is because these bands place additional pressure on your teeth and jaws to ensure they move into the correct position. This pain should not last long.

How can I speed up my braces?

Do they file teeth after braces?

Enameloplasty to level your teeth after your braces are removed is often considered part of your orthodontic treatment. It's commonly offered at no additional charge.