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TYPES OF BRACES
Traditional Twin Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces that are used today. They have been made to be very comfortable. Today’s braces are made of high-grade stainless steel. Metal archwires are used and with these braces, you have the option of using colored elastics to give yourself a unique look! They are available in ceramic (top arch) and metal (bottom arch) or metal on both arches. Self-Ligating Metal Braces Self-ligating braces are made in a similar fashion and from similar materials as traditional metal braces. However, self-ligating braces do not use elastics to secure the archwire and instead, use a specialized clip to do this. They are available in metal or ceramic (clear). With these braces, fewer appointments are needed and there is less pressure being placed on the tooth. Self-Ligating Ceramic Braces Ceramic braces are made of a clear ceramic material and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. It is typically used for older teenagers and adult patients who would like their orthodontic treatment to be more discrete. These brackets tend to be slightly larger than metal and self-ligating metal braces and also can break more easily due to the materials from which they are made. Ceramic braces are typically used for upper front teeth where esthetics is maximized and maintenance issues are minimized. Clear Aligners Clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable and comfortable plastic trays that straighten your teeth. Since they are removable, you may eat and drink anything you like while in treatment. In addition, brushing and flossing is much simplified. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause irritation to the cheeks during treatment. |