Comprise of teeth in the bone supported by means of heavy fibrous band, termed the periodontal ligament (PDL).These supporting fibrous band run at different directions and are best suited to resist the displacement of the tooth expected during normal function like chewing, biting shearing / tearing etc. It is nature’s shock absorber. But for this beautiful mechanism, either the teeth will break or the bone will fracture.

TOOTH AND ITS SUPPORTING STRUCTURES

These same fibrous bands play a major role in changing the malaligned / malpositioned teeth into a favorable / desirable position when an orthodontic force is applied. Without these fibrous bands, teeth cannot be moved at all.

 Teeth are arranged in the form of an arch. The upper and lower teeth are arranged in a natural curvature allowing for the best fit between the neighbors.

 It is not uncommon to see a malpositioned / malaligned tooth. When teeth are haphazardly arranged it can lead to facial disfigurement, difficulty to brush, diseases of gum, impairment in speech, and mobility of teeth finally leading to permanent loss of teeth. In fact, well aligned teeth increase the longevity of dental apparatus. A misconception that treatment with braces will loosen the teeth and weaken the dental apparatus is wrong.

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Gingiva

Periodontal ligament

Alveolar bone proper

Root cementum

Alveolar bone