Common Types of Braces and Things to Know

Date:2021-12-03 12:15:28
Author:Ellen
Views:6906

 

Overview

 

With the improvement of modern living standards, many people have misaligned teeth, and many choose to wear braces to correct them. Braces, also known as orthodontic appliances, are devices used in orthodontics to align teeth into proper occlusion. They are used to correct malocclusion, including underbite, overbite, crossbite, open bite, crooked teeth, and various other dental and jaw defects. The goal is aesthetic or structural dental adjustment, often combined with other orthodontic appliances to expand the upper or lower jaw, create space between teeth, or change the appearance of the dental and jaw structure. So what are the common types of braces?


 

Steps/Methods:

 

1. Metal braces. Traditional braces involve bonding small metal brackets called brackets to the teeth and archwires are threaded through them to move the teeth into proper alignment. The brackets are secured with fine wires (or elastic bands) and archwires, which can feel bulky and cumbersome, and may cause discomfort for one to two years.

 

2. Lingual braces. Lingual orthodontics is a technique that has gained popularity internationally in recent years. In this approach, the brackets are attached to the back (lingual) side of the teeth, hiding them from view. Compared to traditional braces placed on the outside of the teeth, lingual braces are virtually invisible, with no visible orthodontic appliances.

 

3. Ceramic braces: The brackets used in semi-invisible braces are nearly transparent, providing good camouflage on the teeth and allowing the treatment to proceed discreetly. All clear brackets currently used are made of alumina ceramic, which offers aesthetic advantages. The larger the ceramic crystals, the better the transparency.


4.Bracket-free clear aligners: Bracket-free clear aligners are transparent elastic plastic orthodontic devices created with computer-aided design and manufacturing. They work by moving teeth gradually in small increments. In simple terms, they are clear trays used to straighten teeth. They are popular because they are nearly invisible when worn, comfortable, and easy to remove for brushing and maintaining oral hygiene.


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Things to Keep in Mind:

 

Regardless of the type of braces, the best choice is the one that suits your needs. Once you start wearing braces, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal to prevent gum inflammation, tooth demineralization, and cavities.