Types of braces

Traditional metal braces have come a long way since what most adults usually remember. Modern-day braces are a lot smaller than they used to be, meaning they are a lot less noticeable as well. Metal braces are standard metal brackets that are applied to your teeth with adhesive and are connected together by wire. Traditional braces require periodic tightening so that there is constant pressure applied to the teeth and that your teeth and jaw are aligned as needed. Even though these are the most noticeable types of braces to have, many teens enjoy the fact that you can add your own personal flare to the braces. Coloured bands can be added to the braces in a variety of ways, creating a unique and fun, colourful smile! Each time that you go in to have your braces tightened, you can also choose to change the colour of your bands. Braces are typically worn for one to three years, depending on the individual’s situation.

Not all orthodontic braces are planted on the front of your teeth. There are special braces that do their work behind the teeth called lingual braces. And because they are bonded behind the teeth, you’ll never know if a person uses one or not. The braces are customized to bond at the back of the teeth so they remain invisible when smiling.The lingual brackets are to be held closer together since the inner arch around the backside of the teeth has a smaller dimension than the arch on the outside. This makes both the installation and the subsequent adjustment visits more difficult. The lingual braces can also irritate the tongue initially than with regular braces. In addition, because the process is more involved and tedious, lingual braces cost more.