Braces
Metal Braces
When people think about orthodontic treatment, metal braces are usually the first thing that comes to mind, and for good reason. They have been an integral part of orthodontic treatment for decades and continue to be a comfortable and effective treatment approach. Metal is a great material for intraoral appliances because it is precise, smooth, ductile and cost-effective to manufacture. Metal braces are a very effective option for correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues.
Although metal braces have been around for many years, there have been continuous improvements. With developments in technology, manufacturers have improved the precision of brackets and wires, which give orthodontists more control and better results. Different alloys have been tested to find ones with optimal material properties. Additionally the shapes of the brackets have changed to create broader smiles that better match the present culture’s preferred smile characteristics.
The biggest change in metal braces has been the development of self-ligating brackets. Self-ligating brackets have a door or clip that opens and closes to fix the wire into the bracket. We use self-ligating brackets because it improves the patient experience. We are happy to use color ties if the patient prefers, but do not need to use ties to fix the wire. By avoiding color ties it is easier to maintain good hygiene and there is no concern with color ring discoloration between appointments. Additionally, self-ligation technology reduces the frequency of your orthodontic appointments since the wire stays active for longer. The bracket is also low-profile, making it more comfortable for your cheeks and lips.
Clear Braces
Clear braces work exactly the same as metal braces, except the material is clear ceramic, making the braces much less noticeable. The ceramic material does not discolor like composite clear brackets did in the past. We use clear brackets that have the same self-ligating technology as our metal braces and include all the same benefits. This is particularly important with clear brackets because the clear o-rings that are used with traditional clear brackets discolor over time from food and colored liquids. This issue is solved with self-ligating brackets because they do not require o-rings.
One should keep in mind that the wires are metal. Certain alloys provide ideal properties for orthodontic wires, and at this time, clear materials are too brittle. Wires can be coated with a tooth color material, but this increases friction in the system and slows treatment. Additionally over time the coating material wears and the metal underneath becomes exposed. For these reasons, we continue to use metal wires. Fortunately, the wires are small so this esthetic compromise is small.
Not all patients are candidates for Invisalign aligners. Alternatively, some patients prefer braces over aligners. For these patients who are also concerned about the appearance of braces, clear brackets are a great option!