Braces are a special orthodontic appliance used to straighten and align the teeth and bite. There are several types of orthodontic braces available including the more traditional metal braces, ceramic "tooth-colored" braces, as well as Invisalign.
Metal Braces
Metal braces, made of stainless steel or titanium, are known as "traditional braces" because the first orthodontic braces were made of metal. They still continue to be the most commonly used type of braces today. Luckily, today's braces are smaller, flatter and more comfortable than braces of the past.
Metal braces have three parts to them. The brackets are cemented directly to the surface of the teeth. An archwire is placed in the brackets, linking them together and elastic ties are what hold the archwire in the brackets.
Braces are skillfully tightened and adjusted in order to shift teeth into a straightened position. Rubber bands or other appliances are often used in conjunction with braces for a thorough adjustment of the entire mouth.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Not keen on the idea of how metal braces look? Advances in technology allow orthodontists to offer clear or tooth-colored braces made of ceramic or polycarbonate. It's a much less noticeable alternative to the classic "metal mouth!"
Clear braces function just as traditional metal braces do. They also include brackets, arch wires and elastic ties. The ties are generally clear or white. Clear braces are not to be confused with popular clear aligner systems like Invisalign. Those systems fit into the mouth like a mouth guard, slipping over the teeth, and they are removable. Clear braces are cemented into the mouth like metal braces are.
Invisalign
For adults in need of orthodontic correction but still don't like the idea of metal or clear ceramic braces, we're proud to offer Invisalign! The Invisalign system is a series of clear, custom-fit removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth to gradually straighten them. The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but is virtually invisible.
If you need to straighten your smile but metal braces aren't your first choice, give us a call. Invisalign is a great option for adults that will get you the straight, beautiful smile you're looking for.
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