While most of us don't want to hear that we need braces to correct our teeth, C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry, of Lorain, Ohio, puts patients' fears at ease. Braces are a necessary form of dental treatment for many patients, and they can help eliminate future oral problems from happening later on in life. 

So, how do braces work? Human teeth are actually harder than steel, yet they can—given enough time—be moved around. In dentistry, braces are used to tether teeth together with metal wires. These wires apply a steady force that will either pull teeth together or push them apart. These wires exert constant pressure, which—over time—moves teeth into proper position.

Braces work by leveraging the human body’s natural propensity to break down its own bone and shift it around. This process is known as “bone remodeling.” Bone remodeling is how the human body naturally grows and matures.

Whether one wears braces or not, their body is engaged in bone remodeling all the time. The human body employs tiny cells to create voids within the bone, and other cells known as osteoblasts, to deposit minerals to create new bone. In the language of general dentistry, it is these osteoblasts that actually rebuild the jawbone in a new shape to accommodate newly positioned teeth. Braces work by forcing the human body to dissolve bone and then rebuild it, giving the patient a straight and beautiful smile. 

If you think you may be a candidate for braces, visit the office of C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry for a consultation. Call (440) 960-5200 to schedule a dentist appointment. Alternatively, new patients can inquire online to learn more about this general dentistry practice.