The range of braces that modern orthodontists can offer is continuing to grow.
Traditional metal braces are still the most widely used.
With the conventional approach to these, ties are used to hold the archwire in place. However, there is now a newer approach to this known as self-ligating or self-tying brackets.
Clear braces offer a more visually appealing alternative to traditional metal braces as they blend in more effectively with the natural color of the teeth.
These are usually made of ceramic or plastic material and they work in a similar way to traditional metal brackets. As clear braces can be more brittle than metal braces, removing them can be more complicated.
Gold plated braces may be used for people allergic to components of the stainless steel in traditional braces – though some choose gold for cosmetic reasons.
Lingual braces are fitted behind the teeth so are not as visible but they can be harder to get used to.
Removable aligners such as Invisalign can be used to move teeth gradually into the desired positions in less complex cases.
Finally, work is being put into the development of “smart brackets” containing microchips that will help simply and shorten the treatment process.
Linn Orthodontics 