How Do Braces Move Teeth

Whites Dental Waterloo

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Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)

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Millions of people around the world have used orthodontic braces to straighten their teeth and improve their smile. Braces used to once be the sole preserve of teenage patients — however, that’s no longer the case. Braces treatments are used increasingly by adults of all ages. At Whites Dental, a vast majority of our brace patients are adults over the age of 25. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult looking to get your teeth straightened, we have options for every need and taste.

Understanding How Braces Work

If you’re interested in straightening your teeth, it helps to first understand the science behind orthodontic braces and how they move teeth.

Three Key Components of Braces

Together, these components apply gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into position. Sometimes, orthodontists use rubber bands to apply additional directional force.

How Do Orthodontic Braces Move Teeth?

Bone Remodelling

Each tooth is supported by gum tissue (gingiva) and anchored in the alveolar bone via the periodontal ligament (PDL). When pressure is applied by braces, one side of the PDL compresses while the other side stretches. This process loosens the tooth slightly and stimulates bone remodelling — the body’s way of adapting the bone structure to accommodate tooth movement.

The Role of Force and Pressure

Orthodontic brackets and arch wires are designed to deliver controlled force to teeth. At Whites Dental, we begin with a twist wire — a soft, flexible metal cable activated by your body heat. As treatment progresses, we switch to a nickel-titanium alloy wire, which stiffens with heat and offers greater pressure to align the teeth more efficiently.

Once secured to brackets, the wire guides each tooth into its new position. As pressure is applied, osteoclasts break down bone in the direction of movement, while osteoblasts build new bone behind it — maintaining tooth stability throughout treatment.

Your Orthodontic Journey

Whether you’re thinking of starting braces or are already undergoing treatment, the Whites Dental orthodontics team is here to support you. We’re happy to answer any questions and ensure your journey to a straighter smile is smooth.

For more information, visit our Orthodontic London homepage

Why Choose Whites Dental?

At Whites Dental, we offer a complete range of orthodontic solutions, including:

Our private London dental practice is based in London Waterloo, directly opposite Southwark Tube Station. We are also a short walk from London Bridge, Southbank, Borough Market and Elephant and Castle.