Types of braces

Types of braces

Specialist Orthodontic Practice > Treatment for adults > Types of braces

It is never too late to have orthodontic treatment. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, there is no age limit to treatment. An increasing number of adults are availing of the benefits of orthodontic treatment and the results often exceed their expectations.

Types of braces

Correcting a “bad bite” or malocclusion, has multiple benefits: it not only boosts confidence and creates nice-looking smiles, but more importantly, orthodontics can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, impaired speech, chewing and help certain jaw problems.

 

Fixed appliances

Fixed appliance

Treatment with fixed appliances usually starts once all the adult teeth have erupted and usually lasts 18-24 months. They are attached onto the teeth using tooth coloured filling material (composite resin). An orthodontic wire (archwire) is tied (or ligated) into the bracket. As treatment progresses, the orthodontist will progress to thicker wires, which can place greater forces onto the teeth. Appliances can easily be removed at the end of treatment. All fixed appliance treatment is followed by retention with either fixed or removable retainers that ensure your teeth stay in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. The different types of fixed appliances are:

Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common of the four types of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. They are the smallest fixed brace available but are not as discreet as ceramic or clear aligners. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding coloured elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colourful smile.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth and are therefore “invisible” when you smile. Lingual braces are 100% customized to match the shape of your teeth, and therefore the metal appliances are created uniquely for you. Lingual braces are a very reasonable option for athletes, models, actors, musicians, who play wind instruments and adult professionals.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are an effective alternative to traditional braces and involve a series of clear, removable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth.

Invisalign aligners

They can also be effective for patients who have had treatment in the past and want to make minor corrections to their smile. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. Each aligner is custom-made to fit over your teeth and is designed to gradually move teeth into their proper position.

As treatment progresses, you switch aligners. Each aligner is a little different, so your teeth move a little more with every change. Aligners are worn for at least 20 hours each day, and you’ll receive a new aligner every two weeks. The length of your treatment depends on the severity of your case, and treatment can take anywhere from six months to two years. Using clear aligners as orthodontic treatment is not for everyone.

The best way to find out if clear aligners are the right option for you is to schedule a consultation with us.

A customised solution just for you

At SOP, using a combination of techniques and treatments, we can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted. We can offer a combination of treatment options in search of achieving the most discreet and fundamentally efficient treatment for you.

Customised solution

Retainers

After braces have been removed, a retainer is necessary to keep your teeth and jaws in their new position and keep your smile looking its best! A retainer is custom-made and can be removable or fixed. Dr. Geoghegan will advise on which one will be most suitable for you to hold teeth in their correct alignment while the surrounding gums, bone, and muscle adjust to the new positioning of your teeth.

Retainers

It is important to choose the right treatment option for your needs and lifestyle. Dr. Geoghegan will help you determine the right treatment for you. He can provide answers to your questions and extra information explaining the benefits of each treatment.

Contact the SOP team

If you would like to learn more about all the options available to you, please contact SOP and schedule an appointment today.

Contact SOP team