Types of Braces
Types of Braces
Most smiles are started by another smile.
You are probably familiar with the traditional metal braces, but we also offer you the choice of other options at Decoteau Orthodontics!
Metal Braces
Metal Braces can be silver or golden. The are very strong and can withstand most types of treatment. At first, gums and cheek tissue may become irritated, but there are several first aid tricks to deal with the discomfort such as saltwater rinses and applying wax to the metal brackets.
Most traditional metal braces require an elastic O-shaped rubber band, called a ligature, to hold the arch wire onto the bracket. Sometimes metal tie wires (wires that twist around the bracket) are used in place of elastic ligatures.
Metal brackets tend to be less expensive than other types of brackets. And now, choices of colorful ligatures are available in a rainbow of colors to individualize personal style.
Ceramic (Clear) Braces
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are less visible on your teeth than metal braces. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces are generally used on upper teeth rather than on the lower.
Lingual Braces
These are the ultimate custom treatment for patients whose lifestyle or job dictate that their braces cannot be seen. Lingual braces are placed on the inside, rather than the outside, of your teeth. Invisible custom braces work similar to traditional braces, although they are more expensive because they cost more to manufacture. (New technologies such as advanced cadcam and sterelithography are used to create them, and robiotics are utilized to pre-bend the orthodontic wires that fit into the braces). Clear appliances (such as Invisalign®) use a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are also removable. That means you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are easier. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
Damon Braces
Today, an innovative technology – “self-ligating” braces – makes orthodontic treatment less time consuming and more comfortable than ever before. Proud to be in the forefront of practices around the world offering this great new therapy to our patients, we’d like to invite you to learn more about what this proven orthodontic system has to offer. You’ll see the beginnings of your new smile in the first few weeks of treatment and, in the end, will have a great smile that will last a lifetime.
Invisalign
Invisalign treatment consists of a series of aligners that you switch out every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured to gradually shift your teeth into place. Our Doctors are Invisalign Certified and have years of experience creating beautiful smiles with these aligners. And since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, you know you’ll end up with a smile that truly fits.
