Orthodontic braces are used to align and straighten teeth, by means of brackets that are mounted and bonded to the surfaces of the teeth. Wires are then threaded through the brackets, and tightened in order to eventually guide individual teeth into an aligned position. Many styles of braces are available to those looking to straighten or reposition their teeth, including traditional metal or stainless steel, ceramic and clear plastic braces. Due to the less obvious nature of both ceramic braces, which are made to look the color of teeth, and plastic, which is transparent, these two types are often chosen for both their functionality, as well as their aesthetic quality.
Traditional Braces and New Advancements
Traditional braces are typically constructed from stainless steel, and represent the most affordable option for those in need of teeth alignment through braces. Due to the invention of the Damon bracket, advancements in orthodontic measures have taken place, including increased comfort for the patient, and reductions in the amount of time the braces are actually worn. This invention allows the metal wire that is threaded through the bracket to slide around inside the bracket itself, thus reducing the number of adjustments that typically have to be made over the course of the orthodontic treatment.
Ceramic Brackets
A less conspicuous version of the traditional stainless steel braces comes in the form of ceramic braces, which look about the same in color as one’s teeth, because of the ceramic's translucent nature. This method allows for patients to garner considerably less attention while actually wearing the braces during treatment time, as their mouth does not appear to be full of shiny metal brackets. Another value of the ceramic style of braces is that the material has been engineered in such a way so as not to discolor during the course of the treatment.
Clear Braces
Clear, plastic braces feature brackets that are transparent in nature, and virtually “invisible” to onlookers. The exception to this, of course, is the wire that connects each bracket across the front surfaces of the teeth. Clear braces and ceramic braces are typically more expensive than traditional metal braces, though in many cases, there is a reduction in the amount of time that the patient must wear the braces.
Traditional
orthodontic braces are not the only solution to crooked teeth. Invisalign® clear aligners and porcelain veneers provide patients with other options. Speak with
cosmetic dentists in your area to learn more about these dental treatments.
