River Walk Dental Orthodontics

Blog

Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums

How Often should braces wire be changed?

Archwires are an essential part of dental braces for appropriate movement and alignment of the teeth, and they are changed frequently during the treatment stages.

What is Braces wire?
Braces wires are referred to as archwires. Arch Wires are a metal component of dental braces used as tools by orthodontists for various dental issues of all ages, children younger, and adults. Archwires are thin metal attached and wrapped to the molar at the back of teeth. This is responsible for fixing teeth alignments and movement of teeth while braces are on. Their primary function is to force teeth to improve in the proper position.

Stages of Treatment
Braces are secured to the teeth with wire and bands. The orthodontists brace wire adjust them regularly with brace wires to keep them aligned. Braces are to be worn for three months and can go up to a few years, based on the duration of treatment required. The treatment takes place in three stages:

  1. Alignment: During the first stage of initial alignment, the orthodontist tries to fix the teeth into the desired positions, during which brace wires are changed to adjusted frequently. After a few months, the teeth are lined up in neat, straight rows. This stage isn’t intended to rectify any other issues as treatment in the process. The teeth may still stick forward or misalign when you bite or chew.
  2. Bites and Space Closure: After teeth have been aligned, braces will begin to close the gaps and fix the bites between your teeth. Because more force is required, the wire will start to thicken to keep teeth upright and straight, preventing them from shifting backward or into any other unfavorable positions.
  3. Detailing with Retainers: Maintaining the position of the teeth and bite after braces is also essential, so a retainer is used to help with this.

After braces are removed, taking care of teeth is important to keep the smile intact.