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As an orthodontist for over 26 years, I have seen many changes in the types of braces available to help patients achieve their goals of healthy and beautiful smiles. When I graduated from my Orthodontic Specialty residency, the only braces that were available for patients were metal ones that used silver ties to hold the wire in place. Within a year of my graduation, clear braces became available, as well as braces that had different color ties to hold the wires. Braces that went behind the teeth also became available around this time. The year was 1986.
Let’s fast forward to 2012.
Today, patients have multiple options regarding “braces.” I will explain the various options in this article and help you make a more educated decision about what type of braces is best for you and your family.
Traditional Metal Braces
These braces have been the workhorse for orthodontists for the last century and are the most used type of braces. This type requires the wire to be tied in with silver wire or colored ties. Patients get their colors changed each visit, and that action, along with changing the wires, “activates” the teeth and helps them move into the correct position.
Clear Braces
These braces are similar to metal braces as they are glued to the teeth and require a tie (usually clear) to hold the wire in place. Clear braces can be made of plastic or ceramic. The plastic braces will tend to discolor as they pick up the color of food you eat (think Tupperware). Ceramic clear braces are the most common and will not discolor. The tie that wraps around the brace is, however, made of plastic and can discolor. Fortunately, these are changed every visit!
Self-Ligating Metal or Clear Braces
These are the newest styles of braces. These types of braces do not need a wire tie or color tie to hold the wire in place. These types of braces have a “door” or hinge that closes around the wire and holds it in place. All the major manufacturers of braces make these types of braces and have the branded names Innovation, Empower, Damon, Speed, and Smart Clip, to name a few.
Lingual Braces
These are braces that go on the back of your teeth, facing your tongue. Many patients like these because they cannot see them. The disadvantage is that they can be difficult to keep clean and can irritate your tongue. The biggest brand name is Incognito.
Invisalign
Invisalign is the newest addition to the braces line. It is a clear, removable aligner that is worn full-time like braces but can be removed for eating and brushing. Because it is removable and virtually invisible, it is the perfect solution for adults and some teens who are looking for a more cosmetic option that allows better oral hygiene.
All the options mentioned in this article have advantages and disadvantages, as well as differences in fees and treatment times.
An orthodontic specialist should determine the type of braces that are best for you. Only an orthodontist with advanced training (typically 2-3 years of full-time study after a dental degree) can prescribe the type of braces that will work best for you. With so many choices today, you and your family should have no problem finding a braces option that works best for your healthy and beautiful smile goals.
We offer free consultations, including photos and x-rays, and invite you to contact our office to see if you and your family can find out what type of “braces” are best for your individual treatment goals.
