Accelerated Orthodontics - Types of Braces
San Diego, California
Accelerated orthodontics straightens and aligns the teeth -- just like regular orthodontics -- only in significantly less time.
What types of braces are available?
There are three general types -- ceramic, lingual and metal.
Ceramic braces are made of composite materials. They are very strong and generally do not stain. Ceramic braces blend in with the teeth and are less noticeable than metal.
The ligatures -- the tiny rubber bands -- which hold the arch wire on to the ceramic brackets are often white or clear. Ligatures can stain -- especially if you smoke or drink a lot of black coffee. Ligatures are changed each time you get an adjustment -- usually, monthly. It's only the ligatures that stain, not the brackets themselves.
Lingual braces are placed behind your teeth. They are virtually invisible to other people. Usually, lingual brackets are made of metal.
Orthodontists need special training to be able to treat patients with lingual braces. Therefore, not every orthodontist provides them.
The benefit of lingual braces is that no one will know that you are wearing them.
Metal braces are the more traditional type of braces. They can be silver or golden. The golden brackets look a bit more jewelry-like, and are often a popular choice with young women.
Metal braces are very strong and can withstand most types of treatment. At first they may irritate your gums, but after a few weeks, when your cheeks adapt, this discomfort will go away. Most traditional metal braces require an elastic o-shaped rubber band -- called a ligature -- to hold the arch wire onto the bracket.
Accelerated Orthodontics Frequently Asked Questions
Instant Orthodontics Frequently Asked Questions
Metal braces are less expensive that the other types, although they are highly visible, and generally considered to be not very aesthetically pleasing.
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