Types of Braces
Today you can choose from several styles of braces. Each style has its own advantages. Dr. Damon can answer all of your questions regarding esthetics, speed of treatment, and comfort of the various brackets.
Metal Braces
These are the oldest, but still the most popular style of braces. Today’s metal brackets are made of stainless steel and are smaller and more comfortable than ever. Elastic ties surround each bracket to hold the archwire in the bracket slot. Kids like them because the ties come in an array of colors. The ties are changed at each visit, allowing for creative “interior decorating” at every appointment.
Gold Braces
These are stainless steel brackets with a gold plating. They have the same characteristics as the regular stainless steel braces with a unique esthetic twist. Gold-plated wires are available for these braces.
Clear Braces
Once available only as a ceramic bracket, these braces are also offered in a composite plastic construction which is easier to remove from the teeth at the end of treatment. One disadvantage of clear braces is that the elastic ties can discolor between appointments.
Clear Aligners
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Popularized by the Invisalign company, these appliances are not braces, rather they are nearly invisible plastic shells. Each set of aligners is worn for 2 to 3 weeks before moving on to the next set. Treatment time is determined by the number of aligners necessary to move the teeth into correct alignment |
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