For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. However, a stable and proper fit of your upper teeth to your lower teeth (your ‘bite’) is a more important benefit of orthodontic treatment. After your braces come off you'll feel more self-confident, but a healthy and stable bite will help you to preserve your teeth for a lifetime!

What are Braces and How do Braces Work?

Braces are small 'brackets' that are bonded to the teeth. Wires (called 'archwires') are held into these brackets by small metal doors, tiny round elastics or very thin wires (called metal ligatures). Wires move teeth by applying gentle pressure to each tooth by engagement with the brackets. Sometimes elastics or small springs are worn from one tooth to another or from one jaw to the other to help control and direct tooth movement.

There are different kinds of braces. Silver braces are the most common and are the most durable. Clear or transparent braces are also available. These braces are much less noticeable but tend to be more brittle and may fracture more easily during function.

Duration of Treatment

Treatment time depends on many factors, including the severity of the problem, patient cooperation with appliance and elastic wear, health of the gums, and regular attendance at the scheduled appointments. Orthodontic treatment can range anywhere from six months in partial treatment cases to 30 -36 months in complex orthodontic cases. The average time for comprehensive orthodontic treatment (full braces) in adolescents is approximately 20-22 months.

Patients grow at different rates and will respond to orthodontic treatment at different rates, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment and finishing on time. As well, the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums through good oral hygiene practices (brushing and flossing) directly influences treatment duration.