Types of Braces
Metal
Metal
braces, made of superior quality stainless steel, are the
most common. The metal braces that are currently available
are much different than they were several years ago. They
are much smaller and more comfortable; therefore they are
much more attractive. Dr. Symonds also offers a variety
of colored bands that many patients choose to 'decorate'?
their braces with. These bands can be changed at each appointment
with Dr. Symonds.
Ceramic
Ceramic braces are a made of a clear material that blend in very?inconspicuously with the patient's teeth. Ceramic braces are difficult to see on the teeth unless you are very close and are most popular with our adult patients.
Lingual
For those who have reservations about showing a mouthful of orthodontic work in public, lingual braces may be the answer for you!
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires. However, there are some people who fear the idea of having a ‘metal mouth’ so much that they refuse to wear braces altogether, missing out on the opportunity to one day having a beautiful smile. Lingual braces offer a simple solution to this problem! Though similar in function to traditional braces, lingual braces are set on the backside of your teeth, making them totally invisible from the front. Many adult orthodontic patients feel this is an ideal treatment option.
While regular brackets are mass-produced, lingual braces require a custom-made bracket for each tooth. Because of this, Dr. Symond’s first step is to create a mold of your teeth. Brackets are made based on this mold, then set in wax and placed in a small plastic applicator. This applicator ensures that the brackets remain aligned, as they will be pressed into place, not individually cemented. When it is time for the actual application, cement is applied to the back of each bracket and the entire set is pressed into place. Once the cement sets, the applicator is then broken off and the brackets remain in place. Finally, an arch wire shaped in the ideal is installed on the back of your teeth. Once it has been threaded through the brackets, the wire tries to shift back into its original position, pulling your teeth into place as it does so.
Lingual braces can be worn on both the top and bottom teeth. Because the bottom teeth are generally less visible anyway, a popular combination is to have lingual braces on the top teeth and clear (ceramic or sapphire) braces on the bottom.
Invisible Orthodontics
Invisalign
Invisalign is a new and innovative way
to straighten teeth without braces, utilizing clear aligners.
The aligners are removable and almost completely invisible,
which allows you to straighten your teeth without anyone
even knowing! Invisalign users are still able to eat
and drink what they want and are able to brush and floss
normally to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Also, there
are no wires, brackets, or metal of any kind to cause mouth
abrasions.
How does Invisalign work? Using state-of-the-art 3-D computer
technology, custom aligners are created to fit your mouth
perfectly. As a certified Align Technology orthodontist,
Dr. Symonds will help you determine what you want to correct.
Once treatment is planned, a sequence of finely calibrated
aligners as few as 12 or as many as 48 – will be
created specifically for you. Each aligner is worn for
approximately two weeks and is only taken out for eating,
brushing, and flossing. As each new aligner is put in place,
your teeth will gradually move into the final alignment
that Dr. Symonds prescribed. Then, you’ll be smiling
bigger and brighter than ever!
OrthoClear
An alternative option to Invisalign braces is OrthoClear Aligners. OrthoClear uses the latest medical imaging techniques to straighten teeth and improve smiles.
OrthoClear creates advanced polymer aligners that are able to precisely straighten teeth using a 3 dimensional analysis of your tissue and teeth. Aligners are worn for 3 weeks at a time and can be removed fore eating, brushing, and flossing. OrthoClear aligners gradually and gently move the patient's teeth into the desired position over a specified period of time. OrthoClear aligners are clear, comfortable, removable, affordable, and convenient. Please consult our staff to help determine which type of braces are right for you.
