Braces

Braces are a dental appliance used to straighten and align teeth, improve oral function, and enhance the overall appearance of the smile. 

They consist of:

1. Brackets: Small squares attached to each tooth
2. Archwire: A thin metal wire that runs across the brackets
3. Ligatures (or rubber bands): Small elastic bands that hold the archwire in place
4. Bands (optional): Small metal rings that fit around the back teeth

Braces work by applying gentle pressure over time to:

• Move teeth into proper position
• Improve bite alignment
• Enhance oral function and aesthetics

Types of braces include:

1. Traditional metal braces
2. Ceramic braces (clear)
3. Clear aligners (removable, like Invisalign)
4. Self-Ligating braces
5. Invisalign (clear, removable aligners)

Braces are commonly used to treat:

• Crooked or misaligned teeth
• Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
• Gaps between teeth
• Teeth grinding and clenching

Metal Braces

Metal braces, also known as traditional braces, are a type of orthodontic appliance used to straighten teeth and improve oral alignment. 

Metal braces are:

• Effective for complex cases and severe crowding
• Durable and long-lasting
• Adjustable, allowing for precise tooth movement
• Noticeable, but can be decorated with colored ligatures for a personalized look

Types of metal braces:

• Stainless steel braces: Most common, made from high-grade stainless steel
• Titanium braces: Hypoallergenic, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant
• Ceramic braces: Combination of metal and ceramic materials for a more aesthetic appearance

Metal braces work by:

• Applying continuous pressure to move teeth into proper position
• Gradually adjusting the archwire to achieve desired alignment
• Holding teeth in place until they stabilize in their new position

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are used to help straighten your teeth. They work like regular metal braces by gently moving your teeth into better positions. The main difference is that ceramic braces are less noticeable because they are clear instead of metallic.

How it works:

• Brackets are glued to the surfaces of the patient’s teeth
• An archwire controls the movement of the teeth and connects the brackets and bands
• Less noticeable than metal braces and can be clear or tooth-colored
• Less allergenic than other metallic alloys used in orthodontics
• Less plaque accumulation on teeth and brackets
• Suitable for imaging tests and don’t have to be removed before any imaging scans

Ceramic braces are a good choice if you want your braces to be subtle, as they are less noticeable.