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Most people who need orthodontic work will have braces at some point.
Braces work by using brackets and wires to slowly move teeth into their ideal positions. Brackets are bonded to the surface of teeth, while the wires are threaded through the brackets. These two things work together to guide your teeth into place. During appointments, we will tighten and adjust the wires to allow for proper tooth movement. We also frequently use elastics to assist in the process.
Bonus: Braces today are a lot smaller and sleeker than they used to be, allowing them to be more comfortable. This also makes the adjustment period much easier.
There are three main types of braces:
METAL BRACES
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces. They are made of high-grade stainless steel and straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. You can elect to go for the standard silver metal look, or you can choose different colored bands to match your personality.
CERAMIC BRACES
Ceramic braces are a newer, more esthetic option that is far less noticeable than metal braces. Instead of metal, these brackets are made of a ceramic material that blends in with the color of the teeth. Many adults prefer this type of braces because it’s hard to notice that they’re there. They work the same as metal braces, however, ceramic brackets are more fragile and will need a little extra TLC.
Self-ligating BRACES
These braces are similar to traditional braces, with one notable exception: They don’t require elastics to move teeth into place. Instead, the wire is placed into the “door” of each bracket, allowing for greater freedom of movement. This can sometimes be more comfortable than other kindsof braces.