So how do braces work?

[redwifey]

I'm a month into my sentence but can't figure out how the braces work in making my teeth move. So enlighten me knowledgeable ones!

[touchofhiddencharm]

All the brackets on your teeth are positioned to determine which way they will move. The wire is applying small amounts of pressure to move the teeth into place. It's really simple if you think about it. welcome

[Dougsey]

The magic is the wire. It will always want to return to it's original arch shape. So when the wire is bent to conform to crooked teeth, it's applying
constant light pressure as it tries to return to arch form.

[redwifey]

Ah makes sense now! Was having a bit of a slow day lol

[Dougsey]

Don't feel dumb... I was wondering the same thing a while back. There's some good you tubes showing archwires. The thermal activated ones are cool to watch.

[wmd]

Aha!!!! That's what I thought but I didn't consider that the wires will move back to their original shape.

[djspeece]

Make sure you take a tour through the "New to Braces" section on the landing page of the forum, or click on this: http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewforum.php?f=18