Fixed traditional braces are also known as ‘train track braces’, and there are currently four different types we provide:
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common type. They are popular with teenagers as they can be brightened with different colours to make the smile unique. They are made of high-grade stainless steel brackets fixed to your teeth and connected with archwires.
In connection with the archwire, these shaped metal brackets, bent to reflect your “ideal” bite, gently move your teeth into the desired position using pressure. In other words, it reflects how we want you to look after treatment. The wire threads through the brackets, and as the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to move your teeth. Your braces are at work every moment of your orthodontic treatment. Picture your tooth resting in your jawbone. With pressure on one side from the archwire, the bone on the other side gives way. The tooth moves, and new bone grows in behind.
Ceramic or Clear Braces
Ceramic cosmetic braces are less noticeable orthodontic appliances than metal braces, consisting of fixed ceramic clear braces and translucent brackets.
They are popular due to their cosmetic appeal. They work just in the same way as metal braces, with the main difference being white elastic modules are used in place of stainless steel wire, making the train track braces discreet and hardly noticeable.
Lingual Braces
Lingual Braces are also fixed braces with the difference of being placed on the inside of the mouth on the inner surface of Lingual-braces the teeth. So, correct tooth positioning can be achieved without the braces being visible. There is no age restriction, provided the periodontal tissues are fundamentally intact, i.e. the teeth are still relatively firmly fixed in the bone.
There may be some tongue irritations and speech difficulties initially, but soon after the fitting, this will improve as you get used to your lingual braces.
Self-ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are an advanced form of metal braces which do not require O-rings or elastics. Conventional braces are tied in with elastics, which cause friction and pressure, making treatment slower and less comfortable. Self-ligating braces hold the wire in and lock it in a place like a gate. They use a slide mechanism to hold the wire, which allows teeth to move more freely, quickly and comfortably.
Self-Ligating Braces were designed to be discreet, comfortable and easy to keep clean. Without the O-rings or elastics, which attract and collect plaque, self-ligating braces enable you to maintain optimal dental health and hygiene throughout your treatment. There are both ceramic and metal self-ligating brackets on the market.
