Types of Dental Braces

Advances in technology today mean that you may not need to have a mouth full of metal to straighten your teeth. There are a variety of braces types all ranging in prices, aesthetics and comfort. Below is a list of pro’s and cons for each type.

Ceramic Braces
Work similarly to traditional braces but brackets are tooth-colored
Pro’s
- Blend in with most teeth and are not very noticeable
- More comfortable than metal braces
- Very strong

Cons
- Elastics can stain, but are changed monthly during adjustments
- More expensive than traditional metal
- Treatment may take longer
- A bit larger than metal braces
- Can not be used in all cases

Sapphire Inspire! Brand Braces
Like ceramic braces but more white in color and do not stain

Pro’s
- Blend in with most teeth and are not very noticeable
- More comfortable than metal braces
- Very strong
- Do not stain

Cons
- More expensive than traditional metal
- Treatment may take longer
- A bit larger than metal braces
- Can not be used in all cases
- Are very white in color and can be seen on teeth that are not very white

Invisalign Braces
 Teeth are moved using clear moulds which are pre-manufactured for self-adjustments

Pros
- Virtually invisible
- Easier to clean
- Less irritating to gums
- Do not stain
- Aligners are numbered so you can see exactly how long your treatment will take
- You receive computer simulation showing you the change in your teeth at the end of each phase
- Fewer visits to the orthodontist as you complete your own bi-weekly adjustments

Cons
- Cost more
- May still require braces for a few months after use to correct certain problems
- Not a pain-free treatment
- Orthodontist has limited control over the treatment because the plastic trays are computer-fabricated
- Takes six weeks for the aligners to arrive from the factory
- Can not be used in severe cases
- Move the back teeth before the front teeth so results are not visible immediately

Lingual Braces

Braces are installed behind the teeth rather than in front.

Pros

-         Other people can’t see the braces at all as they are installed behind the teeth rather than in the front

Cons

-         Can hurt the tongue

-         Speech is difficult at first

-         More expensive

-         Treatment can take a few months longer

-         Orthodontist must be specially trained in lingual treatment

-         Can not be used in severe cases

Metal Braces

 There are a variety of types of metal braces. Some types require a rubber band to be wrapped around each metal bracket to hold the wire to the brackets. Others are specially shaped to move the teeth more quickly and with less pain. There are a variety of metal brackets which are designed to hold the wire to the teeth without the use of rubber bands, and now there is a new self-ligating bracket which is tooth-colored so that they are less visible than the standard metal brackets.

Pros

-         Least expensive

-         Take the least amount of time

-         You can chose a darker ligature that will not show food stains

-         Strong and rarely break

-         Option of gold or silver brackets

-         Certain types can shorten treatment time with less pain

Cons

-         More visible than some other types

-         Tend to be less comfortable at first

-         Cuts in the mouth are easily irritated by the metal brackets

For more information on the different types of braces available, visit the Archwire website.