Braces have been around for several decades and are a common tool used by orthodontists to straighten people’s teeth. They are primarily used in teenagers but can also be used on adults to correct issues such as crooked teeth, overcrowding or teeth that aren’t completely aligned. Braces are affixed to the front of the teeth and then connected together with a thin wire pulled taut and secured to brackets placed on the back teeth that exerts pressure on the teeth. Over time this will force the teeth to shift and move into proper alignment to give you a normal bite while your gums adapt to the change of movement. Patients with braces will need to see their orthodontist on a regular basis, typically once a month, to check on the progress the teeth are making and ensure the brackets and wires are still firmly in place. At the same time, the wire will also be tightened slightly to keep enough pressure on it that the teeth continue to realign as needed. The entire process takes time, with many treatments taking up to 2 years of having braces, followed by several months or longer of wearing a retainer to ensure the teeth don’t shift back.