Learn More About Our Types Of Braces
Waterford, Norwich, & Groton, CT
What Are Braces?
Braces work to fix and improve the way your smile looks, functions, and feels. They have been shown to be a very effective way to fix underbites, overbites, spacing problems, and more. No matter what kind of braces you choose, they all work in a similar way.
To start, a metal wire called the archwire is used to connect a series of brackets to the teeth. Your teeth will move into place over the course of your treatment because of how tight this wire is. To keep this wire taut, you will need to make adjustments every few weeks at our orthodontic office.
Types Of Braces Available
There are a few main types of braces to choose from, and the one you choose will depend on your smile goals and the kind of treatment you need to reach those goals. Drs. O’Leary and Hack will talk to you about all of your options and help you choose the type of braces that best fits your needs.
Traditional Metal Braces
As the name suggests, these types of braces are made entirely of metal, with stainless steel being the most common material. Some options may also come with thin rubber bands to help keep the wires on each bracket in place. The bands come in many different colors, so you can change how your smile looks while you’re getting treatment.
Traditional metal braces are still one of the most popular and affordable ways to straighten teeth and bite issues, even though they are the more noticeable option. They work well and last throughout treatment because they are made of strong, durable materials.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Clear ceramic braces may be the way to go if you want something a bit more discreet. Clear braces function in the same way as metal braces. Both types of braces have brackets and archwires, which are thin metal wires that help control how much pressure and tension is put on the teeth.
The only difference is that ceramic braces are made of ceramic material that matches the color of your teeth, so they blend in better than traditional braces. Even though they can straighten teeth just as well as metal brackets, they may not be as durable, so they may not be for everyone. But if you can take good care of your braces, clear braces are a great choice for anyone who wants a less obvious way to straighten their teeth.
The Damon Bracket Difference
The Damon System is different from traditional braces because it uses gentle forces that are made to protect the health of your teeth and gums while you are being treated. The Damon System gives you a smile that is more than just straight teeth. It gives you a beautiful smile that looks natural.
The Damon System self-ligating brackets allow for lighter forces with less friction than traditional braces, resulting in reduced discomfort for our patients. Teeth can move freely along the archwires, resulting in faster tooth movement and fewer corrections. As a result, your appointments will be less frequent and shorter.
Damon brackets are beneficial in several ways. Due to their accuracy and effectiveness, they don’t need as many time-consuming and complicated steps as traditional braces. They get great results in less time, often saving you months of treatment. They are also more comfortable because the self-ligating brackets are smaller, allowing the archwire to be adjusted more easily. This means that the force is applied more gently. Lastly, there are no conspicuous or bulky rubber bands, so they have a more appealing look to some patients.
Damon braces come in clear, and metal options, and both are compact, comfortable, and easier to clean.
