How can braces exactly move your teeth?

Slight pressure: The shape of the brackets, the size and shape of the wire, and elastics or springs direct slight pressure to specific areas of the bone surrounding the teeth. The bone on one side then resorbs under the force and the other side grows as it is pulled. Hope that helps.

Wolfe's Law: Apply pressure to bone it dissolves away, apply tension and new bone is laid down. Forces directed by removable or fixed appliances. Fixed appliances are gold standard, providing twice the correction of removable appliances. See orthodontic specialist for explanation of exactly what can be done for you.