Why Are My Braces So High Up?

Did you know that there are several different bracket positions an orthodontist can choose from to achieve specific alignment results? One placement option may leave you thinking, “Why are my braces so high up?”

You might view this as unusual or concerning, especially if you’ve never seen the technique used in others. High brackets are often more visible, which can lead to increased self-consciousness. High positioning can also cause discomfort unique to the placement but not more severe than the other options. Let’s take a deep dive into bracket placement and how it affects the final result.

Why Are the Brackets So High? The Science Behind Bracket Placement

High orthodontic bracket placement is a technique that uses biomechanical principles to optimize tooth movement. In English, that means that the position of the brackets on your teeth affects their realignment in a way that gives you the most precise and natural results.

What Is Smile Arc Protection?

Smile arc protection, or SAP, is an orthodontic method made popular by an orthodontist named Thomas Pitts that uses precise bracket positioning to keep or improve the natural shape of the smile arc. The smile arc is the curve formed by the edges of your upper front teeth, which should match the curve of your lower lip when you smile.

Smile arc protection bracket positioning involves meticulous planning and customization according to your individual tooth structure and aesthetic goals. Your orthodontist will consider factors like the size and shape of your teeth and your current smile curve to determine the best bracket placement.

This personalized strategy corrects misaligned teeth while also creating a more attractive smile. Many patients end up being happier with their smiles, leading to higher self-confidence.

Beyond enhancing your appearance, SAP also corrects how your teeth fit together. By correcting your alignment, you’ll end up with a “balanced bite,” which means that your upper and lower teeth make contact simultaneously when the jaws close. This balance helps you chew and speak more effectively and prevents issues such as tooth wear, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, disorders.

How Does Bracket Placement Affect My Smile?

Bracket position determines the direction and the amount of force applied to each tooth. Orthodontic wires put pressure on these brackets to guide your teeth into the desired alignment. Your orthodontist will place each bracket on each tooth in the exact position to move it where it needs to go.

Low Bracket Placement

Positioning brackets lower on the teeth can encourage the intrusion of specific teeth, meaning the braces move your teeth upward into the gum line. This technique is common for issues like an open bite, where the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly.

Center Bracket Placement

Center bracket placement is a method aimed at leveling the teeth for general alignment. This technique applies balanced forces and guides the teeth into their correct positions without specifically altering their curvature. While good for straightening your teeth, center positioning may not influence your smile arc.

High Bracket Placement

High bracket placement means attaching the brackets closer to the gum line. This placement extrudes the upper front teeth, or moves them downward. High positioning is great for smile arc protection orthodontics as it realigns your upper teeth to follow the natural curve of your lower lip when you smile.

How Do High Braces Correct Bite Issues?

In addition to SAP, there are other conditions where your orthodontist might place your braces high on your teeth.

Deep Bite

Also known as a deep overbite, this misalignment can strain the jaw muscles and lead to complications like tooth wear, jaw pain, and gum issues. Deep bites are when your upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth.

The lower front teeth may come into contact with the gum tissue or the roof of the mouth, causing wear on the lower teeth and potential damage to the upper palate. Braces high on the teeth encourage them to extrude, reducing the vertical overlap between the upper and lower front teeth, leading to a more balanced and functional bite.

Open Bite

An open bite is another malocclusion where your upper and lower teeth do not make contact when you close your jaws, leaving a noticeable gap. This condition might occur in the front (anterior open bite) or the back (posterior open bite) of the mouth. Open bites contribute to difficulties biting and chewing food and speech issues, such as lisps.

Genetic predisposition often causes an open bite, and so do prolonged habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or extended pacifier use during childhood. High bracket placement will push the teeth downward to close the vertical gap between your upper and lower teeth.

How Do I Take Care of High Positioned Braces?

Caring for braces high on the teeth requires diligent oral hygiene and mindful dietary choices to maintain oral health and make sure the treatment works:

• Brushing: High brackets are closer to the gum line, which increases the risk of plaque buildup and gum irritation. After every meal, use a soft-bristled toothbrush angled at 45 degrees toward the gums, gently cleaning around the brackets and along the gum line.
• Flossing: Flossing is just as important as brushing, although it can be more challenging with braces. Tools like floss threaders or orthodontic floss can help you clean in between your teeth and under the archwire.
• Dietary Habits: What you eat also plays a significant role in caring for high-positioned braces. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods because they can dislodge your brackets or bend the wires. Choose softer foods and cut harder items into smaller pieces to help prevent damage to the braces.

Regular visits to the orthodontist are important for monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments. These appointments can also detect potential issues, such as loose brackets or wires, which can delay treatment.

Why Are My Braces So High Up?

Knowledge may not improve how your braces look or feel, but understanding why your braces are so high up might help you look forward to your new, beautiful smile. Contact us at Peterson Family Orthodontics in San Tan Valley if you have any braces-related questions or to schedule a consultation today.