Different Types of Braces
There are many different types of braces that can be placed on the teeth by an Orthodontist. But braces are a relatively new and unexplored area. Think about how old mankind has roamed this planet. And braces have only been around for a little more than 50 years. They are relatively a new discovery and the types of braces have really exploded in recent years.
In fact braces have gone from the metal attachments all the way up to the newest type of braces in which you can remove them each night; Invisalign braces. Really the idea of braces has evolved from big apparatus’ like head gear all the way to those which are hidden behind the teeth. You can now put braces on and off in seconds. So it is important that when researching the types of braces that are available on the market by licensed Orthodontist, you research with an open mind or a clean slate.
Two Main Types of Braces – Attached and Removable
When you get down to the nitty gritty, there are really 2 basic types of braces when boiled down. Those that are attached and those that are removeable. And you may be thinking that the temporary ones (those that can be removed with ease) are going to be the best bet.
In fact braces have gone from the metal attachments all the way up to the newest type of braces in which you can remove them each night; Invisalign braces. Really the idea of braces has evolved from big apparatus’ like head gear all the way to those which are hidden behind the teeth. You can now put braces on and off in seconds. So it is important that when researching the types of braces that are available on the market by licensed Orthodontist, you research with an open mind or a clean slate.
Two Main Types of Braces – Attached and Removable
When you get down to the nitty gritty, there are really 2 basic types of braces when boiled down. Those that are attached and those that are removeable. And you may be thinking that the temporary ones (those that can be removed with ease) are going to be the best bet.
INVISALIGN Braces
Invisalign Braces are one of the newest brace types on the market. These are not braces like you are used to. Invisalign Braces are not permanent rather they are plastic clear retainers that are worn. This type of braces is most often used for those who have a simple case of crooked teeth. How it works is the Orthodontist takes measurements of your teeth, and then sends them out to have plastic trays made. You wear these plastic retainers for awhile. On your next appointment, the Orthodontist repeats the process. This continues over time and slowly with each new Invisalign retainer, your teeth move into position.
Invisalign Braces are one of the newest brace types on the market. These are not braces like you are used to. Invisalign Braces are not permanent rather they are plastic clear retainers that are worn. This type of braces is most often used for those who have a simple case of crooked teeth. How it works is the Orthodontist takes measurements of your teeth, and then sends them out to have plastic trays made. You wear these plastic retainers for awhile. On your next appointment, the Orthodontist repeats the process. This continues over time and slowly with each new Invisalign retainer, your teeth move into position.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are created by mixing a couple of inorganic materials together to create a new material. This permanent type of braces is applied by affixing them to each individual tooth. An arch wire then spans the length of the upper and lower set of teeth. The wire is then tied to the ceramic braces by rubber bands which are also called ligatures. Ceramic braces are one of the most widely used braces type.
Traditional metal braces are increasingly being replaced by ceramic braces. They function the same as metal braces but offer a less conspicuous look since the ceramic material is created in a variety of colors to better match your tooth color. They are also quite tough as the ceramic has the strength of concrete.
Ceramic braces are created by mixing a couple of inorganic materials together to create a new material. This permanent type of braces is applied by affixing them to each individual tooth. An arch wire then spans the length of the upper and lower set of teeth. The wire is then tied to the ceramic braces by rubber bands which are also called ligatures. Ceramic braces are one of the most widely used braces type.
Traditional metal braces are increasingly being replaced by ceramic braces. They function the same as metal braces but offer a less conspicuous look since the ceramic material is created in a variety of colors to better match your tooth color. They are also quite tough as the ceramic has the strength of concrete.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are totally invisible in that they are placed on the inside of the teeth rather than the outside. It’s a novel idea if you think about it. Instead of making the color of the braces the same as the teeth like ceramic braces do, Lingual braces try to hide themselves altogether by residing on the inside of your teeth.
It takes a highly skilled Orthodontist to install this type of braces. Metal brackets are used and the same techniques are applied just on the opposite side. In reality the Lingual type of braces has more downsides than ups.
Lingual braces are totally invisible in that they are placed on the inside of the teeth rather than the outside. It’s a novel idea if you think about it. Instead of making the color of the braces the same as the teeth like ceramic braces do, Lingual braces try to hide themselves altogether by residing on the inside of your teeth.
It takes a highly skilled Orthodontist to install this type of braces. Metal brackets are used and the same techniques are applied just on the opposite side. In reality the Lingual type of braces has more downsides than ups.
Metal Braces
Metal Braces can be silver or gold colored. Metal brackets are very strong and can withstand most types of daily interaction. When initially attached they may be a little irritating to your gums, but patients normally get used to it. Cheeks and gums grow tough and adapt. Most traditional metal braces are installed with elastic rubber bands. These are called ligatures and they keep the arch and the bracket attached to each other. The ligatures are usually available in multiple colors, so you at least have a little say on how it looks.
Caring for your braces
Once you’ve received your braces you will want to watch what you eat. This is part of the lifestyle change that will need to take place during the period of wearing the braces which is typically 2 years. Stay away from most tough meats, hard vegetables or anything else which is hard…especially candy. Avoid chewy things that might stick to the metal braces such as caramel, gum. Also try to stay away from hard crunchy foods that might dislodge the metal braces such as chips and popcorn. Instead of biting into full apples, divide them into slices. You’ll learn how to chew with your braces in a matter of days.
Metal Braces can be silver or gold colored. Metal brackets are very strong and can withstand most types of daily interaction. When initially attached they may be a little irritating to your gums, but patients normally get used to it. Cheeks and gums grow tough and adapt. Most traditional metal braces are installed with elastic rubber bands. These are called ligatures and they keep the arch and the bracket attached to each other. The ligatures are usually available in multiple colors, so you at least have a little say on how it looks.
Caring for your braces
Once you’ve received your braces you will want to watch what you eat. This is part of the lifestyle change that will need to take place during the period of wearing the braces which is typically 2 years. Stay away from most tough meats, hard vegetables or anything else which is hard…especially candy. Avoid chewy things that might stick to the metal braces such as caramel, gum. Also try to stay away from hard crunchy foods that might dislodge the metal braces such as chips and popcorn. Instead of biting into full apples, divide them into slices. You’ll learn how to chew with your braces in a matter of days.
