Answer :
Final answer:
Orthodontic appliances, like braces, use the forces generated by oral and facial muscles to realign teeth and correct skeletal issues. Braces consist of brackets and wires that apply tension to teeth, which is regulated by oral health practices and influenced by the muscles of mastication and dietary habits.
Explanation:
Appliances that use forces generated by the oral and facial musculature to produce dental and skeletal changes are typically referred to as orthodontic appliances, such as braces. These appliances are designed to apply continual force to teeth and sometimes the underlying jaw structure to align and straighten them for both functional and aesthetic reasons.
In reference to braces, they consist of brackets attached to each tooth and a wire that applies tension. This tension, or the force applied (Fapp), manipulates the position of teeth over time, often directed toward correcting protrusions or malocclusions. The muscles involved in chewing, known collectively as the muscles of mastication, contribute to the balance and function of the dental structure, but can also necessitate corrective measures when imbalances occur, such as from large chewing muscles or malocclusion from soft diets.
The health and alignment of our teeth are also affected by other factors, including the mechanical forces of chewing and the presence of microbes in the mouth. Maintaining proper dental hygiene and alignment is essential for overall health, as issues in the mouth can sometimes lead to more systemic health problems.
