Made from either metal or ceramic, these braces cause less friction because they have clips built into the brackets to hold the wire. Self-litigating braces usually allow you more time between appointments. Easier to clean and harder to spot, they may require less time than other braces to correct your teeth.
Braces put pressure on your teeth over a period of time to slowly move them in a specific direction. This pressure slowly moves your teeth into a better alignment. The bone under them changes shape, too.
Braces are made up of many parts, including:
Brackets
Brackets are small squares that fit on the front or back of each tooth, depending on the type of braces you and your orthodontist select. The dentist attaches them with a special bonding agent or with orthodontic bands. Brackets act like handles, holding the archwires that move your teeth. Your brackets will be made of stainless steel or tooth-colored ceramic or plastic.
Ceramic braces are very similar to the traditional metal braces in size and shape, but they are constructed of a ceramic material that blends into the natural color of the teeth so that the braces are less noticeable. This type is just as effective as traditional braces at achieving the movement of teeth into desired positions, but are much less noticeable due to their color, which makes them a more favorable alternative for some individuals. However, they are typically more expensive than traditional braces and may become stained if they are not properly cared for.
Lingual braces similar to traditional braces in that they are made out of metal, but they are attached to the inside of the teeth so that they cannot be easily seen from the outside. This type has the obvious advantage of not being visible to other people because they are hidden behind the teeth. However, they are less effective than traditional braces and often take longer to achieve desired tooth alignment. they may also be uncomfortable for the patient as they come into direct contact with the tongue. Finally, they tend to be more difficult to clean.
The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires, you may feel some tenderness or soreness of your teeth for a few days. Your lips and cheeks may also need one to two weeks to adjust to the braces on your teeth. After most adjustment visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age. And, it is much easier to correct problems with crowding when there are baby teeth still present.
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. At times, the jaws do not have enough room to accommodate all the teeth and trying to fit them all can be more detrimental than beneficial and the result of orthodontic treatment will not be as good. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.
