Types of Braces
Today, there are many types of orthodontic treatment options available to meet your specific requirements. At Smith Smile Orthodontics, we proudly offer a variety of these teeth-straightening methods to help our patients achieve the beautiful, more confident smiles they desire in a manner that's most suitable to their needs.
Over the past decade Invisalign has become one of the most popular forms of orthodontic treatment available due to its superior comfort and aesthetic benefits. Invisalign uses custom-made, flexible plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into position. Your orthodontist will have you switch out your aligners for a new set after every two weeks of consistent use. Unlike with metal braces, Invisalign treatment offers patients the added benefits of extra comfort, no limitations on what you can eat, and a clear smile.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces move teeth just as efficiently as metal braces, except the brackets are clear, so people are less likely to notice them. As such, this type of braces is most popular with adult patients. Unlike the metal brackets of traditional braces, each ceramic braces' "Radiance Bracket" is a jewel made with clear, crystal-grown sapphire, which is hardened by a heat process that makes it as sturdy as it is attractive. These braces are naturally more comfortable, and are also beneficial to patients who have allergies to certain metals.
The only drawbacks to ceramic brackets are that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.
Unlike metal brackets for braces, each Radiance bracket is a jewel, made with clear, crystal grown sapphire and hardened by a heat process that makes it as sturdy as it is attractive. These braces are also beneficial to patients who have allergies to certain metals, and are typically more comfortable for patients.
Other patients prefer these brackets because they are virtually invisible, as they are clear. This means that your doctor will not have to struggle to match your enamel shades, which will save you time and unnecessary visits to the doctor.
Another form of braces that does not employ the use of ligatures is called "Self Ligating Braces" (made popular by the brand Damon Braces).
These braces are widely known to have a quicker treatment time than traditional braces because your orthodontist does not have to waste time swapping out ligatures. This is why Damon braces' low-maintenance brackets often lead to fewer visits to your orthodontist. In addition, Damon braces' brackets do not use elastic and steel ties, and they allow for greater comfort, as there is less friction involved in teeth movement.
Traditional Braces
Despite newer treatments on the market, traditional metal braces are usually what most people associate with the word "braces." Accordingly, while this is one of the oldest forms of orthodontia, it still remains one of the most widely used treatment options. This is because a traditional braces treatment continues to be the most effective means for moving teeth.
Traditional braces utilize metal brackets that are securely bonded to each tooth. To sustain movement of the teeth, a wire is strung through each bracket. Thinner wires will be replaced with thicker wires as your teeth proceed to shift. Furthermore, to help keep wires in place, orthodontists use "Ligatures," which most people identify as the colored portion of braces commonly found in kids braces.