Misaligned teeth can affect the way you smile and your self-esteem. Some patients with severe misalignment struggle to speak or chew properly due to their condition. Orthodontic tooth movement is the best solution to restore the oral structure in patients with malocclusions. Braces are one of the most common orthodontic procedures that Dr. Susan Liebman in Brooklyn recommends for patients with dental malocclusions. This treatment applies force to the tooth, stimulating bone resorption. Bone apposition is the other procedure involved in orthodontic tooth movement. The mechanical forces collectively cause slight tipping of a tooth, causing a change in its position in the socket.
What are the factors affecting the rate of orthodontic tooth movement
There is no standard duration for achieving desired results following braces installation. For this reason, you should not base your expectations on someone else’s experience. The following mechanical and anatomical factors play a role in how fast you achieve your desired results:
- Magnitude of force
- Duration of force
- The overall shape of roots
- Quality of bone
- Patient compliance
Effect of braces on the pulp
Orthodontic tooth movement works by interrupting neurovascular supply. Consequently, pulp physiology changes depending on the orthodontic technique a dentist resides to apply. In the case of braces, the age and maturity of the patient will determine the extent of physiological change in the pulp. Orthodontic tooth movement has no effect on tissue reaction. However, there are significant tissue changes on a physiological level that occur due to the teeth changing positions rapidly. The neurovascular disturbances of braces on teeth result in inflammatory and degenerative adjustments in the pulp. Patients may also experience altered sensations to oral stimuli mainly due to the stress braces applied on the periodontal ligament. The discomfort from the stress is what masks sensations that originate from the pulp.
How do braces work?
Braves cause orthodontic tooth movement via mechanical forces, which result in remodeling the alveolar bone. The fences place orthodontic forces on teeth transferring mechanical force from the gums into the jaw bone. Mechanically forcing the alveolar bone towards a specific direction will cause a reversible injury to the periodontium. The injury induces selective bone remodeling.
What are the forces involved in orthodontic tooth movement?
Braces constantly apply compression and tension forces into your teeth. However, the two forces are not equal. Therefore the dominant side will determine tissue response and the direction of movement. Tension forces cause mechanical displacement of dental roots. This force puts pressure on PDL fibers which connect teeth to bone. The overall effect of tension forces is bone formation. Compressive forces squeeze periodontal ligaments and teeth towards the jaw bone. These forces cause bone resorption.
Your care provider will analyze your oral cavity to appreciate how orthodontic forces from braces will affect your teeth. A comprehensive assessment of each tooth will determine potential response to treatment and thus help your dentist design ideal braces that will provide a continuous light force necessary for orthodontic tooth movement. Schedule an appointment with Brooklyn Heights Orthodontics to learn how braces can improve your occlusion while maintaining dental anchorage control.
