Braces themselves, as physical devices, do not inherently get stronger over time. However, the force they apply to your teeth can be increased throughout your orthodontic treatment.
How Braces Apply Force
Traditional braces work by applying continuous, gentle pressure to your teeth over time, gradually moving them into the desired position. This force is primarily exerted by the archwire, which connects the brackets on your teeth.
Why the Force Might Need to Increase
Orthodontic treatment progresses through different stages, each requiring specific types and amounts of force to achieve different movements.
- Initial Stages: Often involve lighter forces to begin aligning teeth and correcting rotations.
- Later Stages: May require more substantial force for movements like closing gaps, correcting bites, or fine-tuning tooth positions.
The Role of Thicker Wires
One common way orthodontists increase the force applied by braces is by changing the archwire to a thicker or less flexible one.
According to Fine Orthodontics, "Stage two is when your braces start to fix the gaps between your teeth. Because this requires more force, your wire will start to become thicker. This will keep your teeth upright and straight so they don't move backwards or into any other awkward position."
This means that while the metal brackets themselves don't gain strength, the system becomes capable of applying greater force as needed by utilizing stronger components like a thicker wire.
Summary of Force Adjustment
Here's a simplified view:
| Stage of Treatment | Wire Type | Force Applied | Primary Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Stages | Thinner, Flexible | Lighter | Alignment, Initial Movement |
| Later Stages | Thicker, Less Flexible | Heavier | Gap Closure, Uprighting, Finishing |
In essence, the orthodontist adjusts the components of your braces, particularly the archwire, to increase the force and address the specific movements required at different points in your treatment journey. So, while the hardware doesn't spontaneously strengthen, the treatment force increases to achieve optimal results.
