Types of Braces
Braces allow many people around the country to straighten their teeth, improve their smiles and resolve issues with crowded or crooked teeth. If you’re interested in braces, you have several options.
Learn more about types of braces by contacting our team at Harris Orthodontics. You can contact us to go over all of your options with Dr. Harris and our team.
Your Options for Braces
People get braces to straighten their teeth and improve their oral health. Braces generally move the teeth in your mouth, bringing them into proper alignment. This goal remains the same for all types of braces.
However, different kinds of braces use various techniques to achieve this result. In addition, people have different dental care needs, making it essential to consider all of your orthodontic treatment options.
Our team can help you go over the facts about metal braces, Damon braces, ceramic braces, and other options.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces were the sole option for adjusting the position of a patient’s teeth for many years. They remain the most common type of braces used by orthodontists around the country. Today, metal braces usually contain stainless steel.
Metal braces include metal brackets that attach to a patient’s teeth. Wires connect these brackets. Dr. Harris adjusts the tension in the wire over time, slowly and steadily pulling your teeth into the ideal position.
During your treatment, you return to our office every four to six weeks to adjust the tension on the wires. Dr. Harris may also ask you to wear elastics between some of the brackets as part of your treatment.
Damon® Braces
Some patients select Damon braces to straighten their teeth. Damon braces also use brackets and archwires, much like traditional metal braces. However, Damon braces exert changes on your teeth with a self-ligation system.
Using a self-ligation system means Damon braces do not use elastic ties to connect the brackets and archwires. As a result, some people find Damon braces more comfortable than traditional braces because they cause more gradual changes to the position of a patient’s teeth.
Patients also find Damon braces easier to clean in some cases. Because Damon braces do not include elastics, they do not gather as much bacteria around your teeth. This fact makes it easier to protect your oral hygiene while wearing braces.
People also Choose Damon Braces Because They:
- May require fewer trips to the orthodontist
- Come in several styles, including options with clear brackets
- Address issues like overbites or underbites
You can discuss Damon braces in greater detail with our team members at Harris Orthodontics.
Clear (Ceramic) Braces
You may want to consider clear (ceramic) braces as an option to handle your orthodontic needs. Orthodontists use tooth-colored material to create ceramic braces, which means they’re more difficult to see because they tend to blend in a little better.
Many adult patients prefer ceramic braces because they come with increased cosmetic appeal. In addition, people working professional jobs often choose not to have visible braces.
Inbrace
With nothing attached to the front of your teeth, Inbrace is hidden behind your teeth. While it provides the efficacy of traditional braces, it is also inconspicuous like Invisalign.
