What are the Most Common Types of Braces?

Many of our patients are surprised to learn that orthodontic treatments are not a recent development. Historians discovered that the ancient Egyptians and Romans attempted to straighten teeth with wires, catgut, and various brackets. Fortunately, our modern orthodontics progressed far beyond the methods of the dentists of the ancient world. Today’s orthodontic patient has treatment options with excellent track records, no sarcophagus required. 

In our practice, patients tend to choose between four popular types of orthodontic corrective devices. 

1. TRADITIONAL WIRED BRACES- 
Today’s wired braces are much smaller and more comfortable than wired braces used many years ago. The components include brackets, a substance used for bonding, an archwire, and elastic bands. Our dentist places your braces by bonding the brackets to your teeth and threading a wire through the brackets. Next, the elastic bands connect the wires. This will guide the pressure used to move your teeth to a straight position. 

2. CLEAR BRACES- Clear braces are mechanically the same as wired braces. The popularity of this orthodontic device comes from the fact that the brackets and wires are clear, or tooth-colored, making them nearly invisible. Most dental professionals agree that clear braces and wired braces are equally effective. 

3. LINGUAL BRACES- As with the clear braces, lingual braces work much the same way metal braces work. The primary difference seen in lingual braces is that the wires and brackets are attached to the back of your teeth inside of your mouth. 

4. INVISALIGN ALIGNMENT SYSTEM- Although these are not orthodontic braces in the technical sense, the Invisalign system is an extremely popular and effective way to straighten teeth. Custom made clear; thin plastic alignment trays fit on the top and bottom teeth. They use pressure to move your teeth into the correct position. Over the course of your treatment, you get new alignment trays to keep your teeth moving into place. 

While not all types of braces are a good option for every patient, our braces dentist in Torrance will work with you and suggest the kind of treatment that will give you the brilliant smile of your dreams.