Types Of Braces
Orthodontists have a wide array of different types of braces and appliances available for treating your smile. Below is a general listing of these devices . Your orthodontic specialist may not use all of these methods in their practice.
Types of Braces
Metal Braces
The vast majority of braces your orthodontist will use are metal in nature. Most use some form of miniature elastic to hold the wire into the brace in order to create tooth movement.
Colored Braces
Colored braces are metal or clear braces with the use of colored elastics to hold the wire in place. Some metal braces are “self ligating” in other words do not require the use of an elastic to secure the wire to the brace.
Most patients are excited at the option to change the color of their braces. It makes braces something of a fashion accessory! It is also a talking point and novelty for children who are otherwise uncomfortable with the idea of having braces. Elastics are replaced at each regular office visit. Therefore, patients can change the color of elastics on their braces each time they see the orthodontist for a wire adjustment.
Braces wearers of all ages can show their holiday or team spirit with the color of their braces. They can even have alternating colors put in for holidays, such as Christmas, that are typically represented by more than one color.
Clear Braces
A clear brace is exactly the same as a metal brace in design but simply made of ceramic or plastic in order to be more cosmetically pleasing for some patients. These can come in self ligating form as well. Clear braces are typically somewhat thicker than metal braces to reduce the chances of breakage.
Lingual braces
Braces that are placed on the inside of the teeth are known as lingual braces.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a brand name for a series of clear plastic aligners used to move teeth. These aligners are fabricated from a computerized model of your teeth which is changed to the desired alignment digitally on the computer to create the desired result. The Invisalign software then fabricates clear plastics aligners that are changed on a 2 week interval to move the teeth to the desired position See www.invisalign.com for more information.
Ask your orthodontic specialist if you would be a good candidate for Invisalign.
Appliances