The Science of Teeth Straightening: How Bite Correction Treatments Work
Bite correction is a common part of orthodontic treatment that is often used to address problems with dental alignment. But how exactly do they work—and what happens when teeth begin to shift? In this article, we will explore the science and mechanics of this orthodontic process, the different plans available, and the patient experience during and after treatment. Through this, we aim to offer patients a clearer picture of what to expect.
Key Takeaways
To correct a patient’s bite, orthodontists typically use braces or clear aligners to gradually guide teeth into position.
Braces apply continuous pressure using brackets and wires, while clear aligners shift teeth with a series of customised trays.
Regular adjustments help ensure that treatment stays on track and tooth movement progresses safely.
Patients typically need to make lifestyle changes, including modifying their diet and oral hygiene habits during treatment.
After braces or aligners are removed, the retention phase begins, which involves wearing a retainer to help maintain the new tooth positions.
Not wearing a retainer as instructed may result in tooth relapse, where teeth gradually shift back to their original positions.
Consistent care, regular follow-ups, and awareness of changes in speech are key parts of the post-treatment phase.
Understanding How Bite Correction Works
How do Braces and Aligners Move Teeth?
Bite correction involves carefully applying force to reposition teeth over time. The two most common tools used in modern orthodontic treatment are braces and clear aligners. Here’s a closer look at how they work:
Braces
Braces, commonly used for both adults and adolescents in Singapore, consist of small brackets attached to the teeth, connected by a metal wire. This setup exerts light, continuous pressure that encourages teeth to shift into their proper positions. This tension is gradually adjusted over time to support steady movement while reducing the risk of damage to the teeth and gums.
Braces come in various forms, such as:
Traditional metal braces: Made from stainless steel, these braces are widely used in various bite correction cases. They allow for ongoing adjustments during the orthodontic journey.
Ceramic braces: Similar in structure to metal braces, ceramic braces feature brackets that are tooth-coloured or clear, offering a less noticeable appearance. They may require more attentive care to prevent discolouration of the transparent elastic ties or breakage of the brackets.
Self-ligating braces: These braces use a built-in clip instead of elastic bands to secure the archwire. The design may help reduce the need for rubber elastic ties, which tend to apply more pressure, trap more bacteria and stain over time.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are transparent trays designed to fit over the teeth and gradually guide them into new positions over time. Instead of adjusting a single appliance, orthodontists customise a series of aligners to introduce small, planned changes in tooth positioning. Additionally, clear aligners are removable, which means that users are able to take them out during meals or while cleaning their teeth. However, they will need to be worn for the recommended number of 20-22 hours each day to maintain treatment progress.
How They Work
Both bite correction methods guide tooth movement by applying controlled pressure to the structures around the teeth. This process involves several steps:
Braces or aligners introduce gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth.
The periodontal ligament (a layer of fibrous connective tissue that secures each tooth within the jawbone) responds by compressing on one side and stretching on the other.
This tension allows the tooth to shift slightly within the bone.
In response to the movement, the bone surrounding the tooth grows in to support the teeth. This is also known as bone remodelling.
Treatment Strategy
Orthodontic plans are developed based on each patient’s dental structure and needs. In Singapore, orthodontists commonly use 3D intra-oral digital scanning and X-ray imaging technologies to analyse both tooth and jaw alignment. These tools enhance the planning process by providing detailed visual data that can be used to simulate how teeth are expected to move over time.
The duration of bite correction treatment varies depending on several factors. This includes:
Type and severity of misalignment.
Patient’s age and oral health.
Consistency in following care instructions.
Some treatment plans may span less than a year, while others may take two years or longer to complete. Throughout the process, regular reviews and adjustments help ensure that treatment stays on track and adapts appropriately to ongoing changes.
The Importance of Regular Adjustments in Orthodontics
Frequency of Adjustments
Depending on the type of orthodontic appliance used and how your teeth respond to treatment, your orthodontist may schedule review appointments every 4 to 8 weeks. Some bite correction plans may require more frequent visits in the initial stages, while others may need less frequent check-ins upon stabilisation.
How Adjustment Sessions Work
During these follow-up sessions, the orthodontist makes targeted modifications to ensure the treatment remains effective and on track.
For braces, this might include replacing archwires, tightening components, or switching elastic bands to change the direction or intensity of pressure.
For clear aligners, patients may receive the next set of aligners, and their progress is checked to confirm that the teeth are tracking as planned.
Orthodontists may also use tools like visual checks, digital scans, or progress radiographs to monitor changes and make informed adjustments.
Patient Involvement
Patient feedback is also a crucial aspect of the adjustment process. Do not hesitate to communicate any discomfort, unusual movement, or concerns about changes in the fit of the aligners—this helps the orthodontist identify whether the current strategy is working as intended or needs modification. By reporting any issues early, you can help prevent potential complications and keep the treatment timeline on schedule.
What to Expect During Bite Correction Treatment
Whether you’re an adult or an adolescent, starting orthodontic treatment may involve a period of adjustment. This section outlines what the bite correction process typically involves, helping you prepare for everyday routines and manage post-treatment care.
Lifestyle Adjustments During Orthodontic Treatment
Bite correction is not limited to clinical visits—it also involves adapting to new routines and making practical changes to daily life. These adjustments can support a more seamless progress and help reduce avoidable disruptions along the way.
1. Changes in Diet
During treatment, especially with fixed appliances like braces, certain types of food may increase the risk of breakage or get stuck between brackets and wires. Patients are generally advised to adopt a braces-friendly diet and avoid hard, sticky, and chewy items, such as nuts, caramel, and chewing gum. Instead, softer foods that require less biting pressure—like steamed vegetables, noodles, or rice—can be more comfortable, particularly after adjustments.
2. The Importance of Maintaining Oral Hygiene
Maintaining oral hygiene is an important part of bite correction. Braces, in particular, can make it more difficult to reach all surfaces of the teeth, which may increase the risk of plaque buildup. Some adjustments to your routine may include:
Brushing after meals to remove food debris.
Using floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean between teeth and around appliances.
Incorporating a fluoride mouth rinse, if advised.
If you are using teeth aligners, it is also important to clean both the trays and your teeth regularly. This helps reduce the likelihood of teeth and aligner discolouration, staining, and odour over time.
3. Regular Dental Cleaning Appointments
In addition to home care, visiting your dentist for professional scaling and polishing every six months—or earlier if recommended—is essential. These cleanings help remove stubborn plaque and tartar that may be difficult to reach with daily brushing and flossing, especially around brackets or aligners. Staying consistent with your dental check-ups ensures your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your orthodontic journey.
4. Managing Post-Adjustment Discomfort
Some level of discomfort is common during bite correction, especially after appointments or when transitioning to a new aligner set. Many patients report experiencing:
A mild, aching pressure or tightness around the teeth, especially when biting
Soreness of the gums.
Slight irritation on the inner cheeks, lips, or tongue (especially with braces).
These sensations generally ease within a few days as your mouth adapts. In the meantime, use orthodontic wax on areas where brackets may rub, and take over-the-counter pain relief (if appropriate) to stay comfortable.
5. Managing Bite Correction Appliances in Social Settings
Wearing braces or aligners can sometimes require extra planning when it comes to social situations. Whether you're attending a gathering, speaking at an event, or eating out, small preparations can make a difference.
To manage any unexpected issues while you’re away from home, carry a small kit consisting of a toothbrush, interdental brush, floss, orthodontic wax, and tissues. If you're planning to eat in public, choosing softer, appliance-friendly foods can make the experience more manageable and reduce the chance of discomfort during meals.
What to Expect After Braces: Tips for Wearing and Using Retainers
The active phase of bite correction concludes when braces or aligners are no longer needed, but care continues beyond this point. The post-treatment phase is important for maintaining alignment over time. Below are some key areas to be aware of during this phase.
1. Retention Phase
After the removal of braces or aligners, treatment typically continues with the retention phase. This involves wearing retainers—either fixed or removable—to help keep teeth in their new positions. Without proper retention, there is a chance that teeth may gradually shift, a process known as relapse.
The type of retainer and how long it needs to be worn vary depending on the individual’s treatment history and how their teeth respond over time. For example, removable retainers often need to be worn full-time for the first six months, followed by long-term night-time wear. Fixed retainers, which are attached to the back of the front teeth, may remain in place for several years and require regular monitoring to ensure they stay intact and functional.
Over time, retainers—especially removable ones—can experience wear and tear. They may develop cracks, become loose, or no longer fit as well due to natural changes in the mouth. As a result, replacement retainers may be needed every few years to maintain retention. Regular reviews with your orthodontist are important to check the condition and fit and to make any necessary adjustments or replacements.
2. Long-term Oral Care
Maintaining good oral hygiene remains important even after active bite correction treatment has ended. Basic care includes:
Thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day.
Flossing once a day to prevent plaque build-up, gum inflammation, and decay.
For those with removable retainers, regular cleaning is recommended to avoid the build-up of bacteria or odour. This usually involves gently brushing the retainer with a soft toothbrush and rinsing it with cold water—hot water should be avoided, as it may deform the appliance. Fixed retainers also need careful cleaning, especially around the wire, using floss threaders or interdental brushes when necessary.
3. Changes in Speech and Eating
Some individuals may notice short-term changes in how they speak or chew, especially after first receiving a retainer. For example, it may take a few days to adjust to speaking with a removable retainer in place. Increased saliva production is also common in the early stages, as the mouth responds to the presence of a new appliance. These changes are generally temporary and tend to ease with regular wear and gradual adjustment.
4. Stay Consistent with Retainer Use
Wearing retainers as instructed plays a key role in maintaining tooth alignment after bite correction. In some cases, patients may forget or choose not to wear their retainers consistently. However, skipping retainer wear increases the risk of tooth relapse, where teeth gradually shift back toward their original positions. To help reduce this risk, it’s important to follow the prescribed retainer schedule and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor any changes and address concerns early.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bite Correction Treatments
Q1: Do orthodontic treatments hurt?
Some discomfort—usually mild soreness that typically subsides within a few days—is common. However, over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as paracetamol, can help alleviate the pain, and orthodontists often recommend using orthodontic wax on brackets to reduce irritation to the cheeks and gums.
Q2: Can I still play sports with braces?
Yes, but patients should wear a mouthguard to protect their braces and teeth during physical activities. A properly fitted mouthguard helps cushion the impact from falls or collisions, reducing the risk of injury to both the teeth and the braces. Be sure to consult with your orthodontist about the most suitable type of mouthguard to use during sports.
Q3: How do I care for my braces/aligners?
Patients should follow specific care instructions, including regular cleaning and maintenance routines, to keep their bite correction appliances in optimal condition. For braces, this involves brushing after every meal and using floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean around brackets and wires. For aligners, it's important to clean them with a gentle cleanser and avoid using hot water, which can warp the material.
Q4: What happens if I miss an appointment?
Missing an appointment can delay progress; patients should contact their orthodontist to reschedule promptly and discuss any potential implications to their treatment timeline. Staying in communication with your orthodontic clinic is crucial to ensure that any necessary changes can be addressed without significantly extending the overall treatment time.
Planning Your Next Steps with Align Braces Clinic
Bite correction is a multi-phase process that goes beyond the visible changes to your smile. It involves consistent care, gradual adjustments, and ongoing maintenance. Understanding how each stage works—from tooth movement to retention—can help you navigate treatment with greater confidence and awareness.
With Align Braces Clinic, you can explore a range of orthodontic options based on your needs and preferences. From various types of braces and Invisalign to orthognathic jaw surgery procedures, our team is here to guide you through the available choices and what they involve.