The wiring is only temporary and can only be on the tree for a relatively short period of time before you risk permanent scarring. After being held in position for a long enough time, if done properly, will permanently shape the tree.

Everything is controlled, there are even techniques for which buds to pick out so that the tree will direct resources to the proper parts for growth.

Back when I was a teenager, I was really into bonsai for a bit, but was quickly put off by how..."foot-binding-esque"...the art seemed.

I forget a lot of the details, but I do remember that there were some bonsai styles, perhaps more modern than others (I am not sure about this), that focused on limiting what tools one was allowed to use to shape the tree's growth, and letting the plant grow naturally.

Perhaps others who know better can comment on what these bonsai styles are called.

Anyway, even if I could recognize that bonsai were beautiful, I was way too impatient to stick with it!

I'm not an expert, but the method used really depends on the type of tree. I have faster growing tree that I shape by exploiting how it redirects growth when trimmed.