Ortho-Brace Yourself!

These are also called ‘traditional’ braces. They have two basic components, the metal bracket that is applied to the teeth and the bendable steel wire that is put through the brackets in order to apply pressure to the teeth and ultimately move them in the bone.  Today’s metal braces are far smaller and less noticeable than they were in the past. New technology has also created wires that move teeth faster and with less pain than in years past. 

They are the least expensive version and are often the fastest way of moving teeth into their ideal locations. Many teenagers also like the ability to choose the color of the rubber bands around each bracket, as this gives each person an opportunity to personalize their braces.

These are a  popular alternative to metal braces. The brackets are made out of a ceramic material and thus has the same color as teeth. Tooth coloured wires may also be used to make it less conspicuous. This virtually invisible system is a popular choice amongst adults. Ceramic braces work in the same way as traditional braces.

Lingual braces  are similar to traditional braces in that they are made out of metal, but they are attached to the inside of the teeth so that they cannot be easily seen from the outside. This type has the obvious advantage of not being visible to other people because they are hidden behind the teeth. However, they are less effective than traditional braces and often take longer to achieve desired tooth alignment. They may also be uncomfortable for the patient as they come into direct contact with the tongue. They also tend to be more difficult to clean.

Self-ligating braces are very similar in appearance to traditional metal braces, but utilize clips rather than elastic bands to hold the wire of the brace in place. As a result, there is less friction on the braces and it is usually easier for the individual to keep the braces and teeth clean.

Invisalign is the most distinct type of braces because they do not involve brackets and wires but instead utilize a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth and r. These aligners are easy to remove and replace with the next one in the series every two weeks throughout the treatment period.

This type of braces is preferable for many patients because they are almost invisible and allow greater freedom in eating and drinking. However, they are considerably more expensive and can only be used to correct minor to moderate dental problems in teenagers and adults.