The bracket is a piece of shaped metal or ceramic that we affix to each tooth. The archwire is bent to reflect your “ideal” bite. In other words, it reflects the way 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. 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. New bone grows in behind.
2. Ceramic cosmetic braces: A less noticeable appearance than metal braces. Ceramic braces are made of translucent (clear) material. They are popular due to their cosmetic appeal. They are tied in with white elastic modules to try and be as discrete as possible. They work just as well as metal braces.
3. Lingual Braces: This is the straightening of teeth using fixed braces which are placed on the inside of the mouth on the inner surface of the teeth. So correct tooth positioning can be achieved without the braces being seen. 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 dificulties initially but very soon all will get better when you get used to your braces.
4. Self ligating brackets: Self-Ligating Braces are an advanced form of 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 place themselves 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.
If you would like to find out more about this or any of the other treatments we offer at Watford Orthodontic Practice,
Please call us on 01923223758.
