AAO Ragan Orthodontics in Dallas, TX

The Different Types of Braces

Not everybody is born with perfect teeth. If you are not impressed with your teeth alignment, then orthodontic treatment can be the best choice for you or your child. Dental braces have become popular nowadays, and they work by fixing the alignment problems by applying firm pressure to your teeth. The treatment ultimately shifts the teeth into a more straightened position. In the past, there used to be only metal braces, but today there are quite a few different types of braces, including the following options:

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work in the same way as traditional braces. They mimic the traditional braces in size and shape, but the only difference is that they use clear ceramic brackets or tooth-colored ones and they blend naturally into the teeth. Some of them use tooth-colored wires to ensure your treatment is discreet.

Invisalign®

This is a common removable type of orthodontic appliance which uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth. It does not have metal wires or brackets, and this makes them discreet. It is a series of customized, transparent BPA-free plastic aligners. The removable Invisalign® braces are usually replaced every two weeks to help your teeth move in the desired direction. The best advantage of this treatment being removable is that you can take them out while eating to enjoy all kinds of foods that may be difficult to chew with traditional braces.

Lingual Braces

These braces use metal wires and brackets like traditional braces, but the wires and brackets are installed on the inner part of the teeth to make sure they are hidden. Although they are attached to the lingual (tongue) side of the teeth, they will look and function like fixed braces by using the wires and brackets to move the teeth gradually.

Damon Braces

Damon braces are another preferred kind of braces by orthodontists because they involve fewer dental visits and also provide gentler treatment. They work faster since they are self-ligating and they use the slide mechanism rather than elastics to connect to the archwires.

The previous traditional metal braces were made of stainless steel wires and brackets, which inspired the term “metal mouth.” The good news is that most metal braces today are noticeably smaller and more comfortable. This is not the complete list of types of braces that are more advanced. To get to know more about the different kinds of braces, get in touch with us at Ragan Orthodontics in Dallas. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!