Traditional Braces
Traditional braces consist of standard metal brackets that are placed on your teeth with an adhesive and connected by a wire. The archwire is gradually adjusted to apply force, moving your teeth into the desired position. These are the metal brackets and wires that most people picture when they hear the word "braces." However with advancements in dental technology, modern brackets are smaller, less noticeable and more comfortable than the braces that many adults remember.
Clear Braces
Clear Braces straighten teeth in the same way that traditional metal braces do. The difference is that they are clear and much less noticeable. With metal braces, a bracket is applied to each tooth. An elastic ligature (very small rubber band) is placed around each bracket and then a metal wire connects all of the brackets together. The elastic is used to hold the archwire in place on each bracket. At each orthodontist visit, the cross wire is tightened or adjusted, which places gentle pressure on the brackets and will slowly move your teeth into the intended position.
Benefits of Braces
- As they are a fixed appliance metal braces allow for greater control and more precise teeth movement, especially in complex cases.
- The materials in braces are usually strong, and metal braces are highly durable.
- In addition, as metal braces use darker materials, they are less likely to become discolored.
- Orthodontic treatment also gives people the option to customize the color of their braces. This can help people feel more comfortable with their smile during the treatment
While metal brackets are still the most common orthodontic option, there are various other treatment options available.
Clear Brackets
Clear braces are crafted from a translucent ceramic that naturally blends in with your teeth. This enables you to smile with confidence while you’re getting treated. It is a comfortable, convenient and discrete way to transform your smile from average to artistic
Self-ligating Brackets
For braces to work effectively, the archwire must remain secured in the brackets. Traditional braces achieve this by using elastic bands or metal ties. In contrast, self-ligating braces use a system built into the bracket itself to hold the archwire.
Like with traditional braces, self-ligating braces still require periodic adjustments. During these adjustments, your orthodontist will evaluate your progress and may also adjust or replace your archwire. Generally speaking, opening and shutting self-ligating brackets during an adjustment is less time consuming.
Invisalign ®
Invisalign is a clear and simple substitute for braces. No brackets. No wires. Just a series of customized removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth as you wear them.
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