Orthodontic braces are dental devices used to straighten teeth and correct problems with bite and jaw alignment. They are made of several parts:

• Brackets – small squares attached to the front (or sometimes back) of each tooth
• Archwire – a thin metal wire that runs through the brackets
• Elastic bands or clips – hold the wire in place

Braces work by applying gentle, steady pressure to the teeth. Over time, this pressure moves teeth into better positions. They are used to treat problems such as:

• Crooked or crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
• Jaw alignment issues

Braces are usually worn for 1 to 2 years, sometimes longer, depending on how much correction is needed. After braces are removed, a retainer is worn to keep the teeth in their new positions. Ik ga nog wat foto’s opzoeken om dit te illustreren.