How do brackets exert forces on teeth?

Brackets exert forces on teeth primarily through direct contact and alignment with wires. When the brackets are bonded to the surface of the teeth, they create a stable point around which movement can occur. The archwire fits snugly into the slots of the brackets, and as the wire is guided into these slots, it exerts pressure on the teeth. This pressure is the result of the archwire's inherent shape and tension, which translates into forces that move the teeth into their desired positions.

The direct contact between the brackets and the archwire is crucial because it ensures that the force produced by the wire is efficiently transmitted to the tooth. This mechanism allows for precise control over tooth movement, which is essential in orthodontic treatment.

While other methods such as using elastic bands might aid in movement by providing additional force, the primary and direct method by which brackets exert the necessary forces is through their alignment and contact with the archwire. This system is foundational to how orthodontic appliances function in moving teeth towards optimal alignment.