Ever take a look in the mirror, smile big and then think to yourself, “my braces look awfully low?” One would think brackets should be located in the center of your teeth for proper alignment, right? It’s not uncommon for those outside of the dental and orthodontics world to think that, but there is in fact a reason for the placement of all braces. See below to find out why your orthodontist placed your brackets so low on your teeth.
Interested in learning more about braces in Denver? Contact the friendly staff at Speaks Orthodontics today!
Tooth Size & Shape
This is one of the first things that’s taken into consideration when an orthodontist recommends braces. Since not all teeth are the same size or the same shape, it’s quite common for different individuals to have braces in different positions. Just keep in mind that no matter what size or shape your teeth are, the brackets should generally be located an equal distance from the bottom or top on each tooth.
Required Tooth Movement
This is the second factor taken into consideration. Bracket placement location relies heavily on the kind of movement required of each tooth. Brackets may be placed higher or lower on the teeth depending on which direction they need to shift in order to leave you with the most perfect possible smile.
If you have questions about your braces, it’s always best to ask your orthodontist directly. After all, he or she knows your teeth best and there is likely a method to their madness!
Braces and orthodontic treatments are used to correct “bad bites,” or malocclusion. Frequently, this means fixing teeth that are crowded or crooked. In some cases, your teeth may be straight, but your upper and lower jaws may not meet properly. These jaw or teeth problems may be inherited or could result from injury, early or late tooth loss, or thumb sucking.
