Braces

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BRACES?

There are two main types of orthodontic treatments – fixed and removable appliances.

Fixed Appliances

Metal Braces

• Traditional metal braces comprise of brackets that are affixed to teeth and wires that are threaded through slots in the brackets. Some patients may also have metal bands encircling back teeth. Wires are held to brackets by tiny rubber bands. Brackets are generally made of stainless steel and the wires are made of metal alloys to deliver a constant, gentle force to move teeth.
• Although not the most aesthetic type of fixed braces treatment, metal braces are predictable, yield good results, and it is the least less costly option.
• We also provide colourful braces where you can choose the colour of the elastic ties that bind wires to the brackets. You can even change the colour each time you visit the dentist.
• We have patients who change the colours of their elastic ties according to the holiday season. For instance, opting for red and green ties during Christmas. Wearing metal braces can be fun!

Ceramic Braces

• Ceramic braces are tooth-coloured. While not completely invisible, they are more subtle and less noticeable, making them the more aesthetic option.
• Did you know that Tom Cruise wore ceramic braces? If you were not aware of this, then it means that the ceramic braces did a good job of being unnoticeable on this much-photographed Hollywood personality.
• Similar to metal braces, ceramic braces are affixed to teeth, and wires are threaded through slots in the brackets. Wires are held to brackets by tiny rubber bands. The brackets are made of ceramic and the wires made of metal alloys to deliver a constant, gentle force to move teeth.
• Ceramic braces blend in with your teeth and are less noticeable from a distance or in photographs.
• On the other hand, the professional fees involved for ceramics braces are higher than traditional metal braces.
• The clear/white elastics also stain easily if not cared for properly. The good news is that since your elastics are changed regularly at your monthly orthodontic visits, the stained effect only lasts until your next dental appointment.

Self-ligating Braces

• Instead of using wires or elastic bands, self-ligating braces are designed with a tiny gate to hold on to the archwires gently. This means that treatment is more comfortable than metal and ceramic braces.The entire treatment also takes a shorter timeframe, roughly an average reduction of 4 months, to complete. The number of appointments to the dental specialist/ dentist is reduced by an average of 4 visits as compared with conventional metal or ceramic braces.
• In addition, oral hygiene is easier to achieve as self-ligating brackets do not accumulate plaque as much as rubber modules or wires. They do not easily stain since they do not contain rubber parts. They are also strong and rarely break.
• Self-ligating braces are aesthetically better compared with conventional metal braces as they do not need any ligatures, elastic bands or wires to hold on to the archwires

Lingual Braces

• Lingual braces are placed on the back of your teeth (at the side of the tongue), hiding the appliance from your smile, making it unnoticeable to others. This is the main advantage of lingual braces and one of ways to straighten your teeth in an “invisible” manner.
• In terms of materials involved and techniques required, it is largely similar to conventional metal braces.
• In terms of comfort level, lingual braces generally require more time to get used to and wear.

Removable Appliances

Invisalign

• Invisalign® uses 3-D computer imaging technology to plan and map your complete orthodontic treatment. Your teeth are gradually moved into place by a series of customized clear aligners.
• The clear aligners are easy to insert and remove, making cleaning the aligners easier. Oral hygiene is also much easier as the clear aligners can be removed when brushing teeth. There is no need to deal with messy wires and brackets.
• Invisalign is like contact lens for your teeth. The aligners are not easily noticeable and cannot be seen in photographs or from afar, only subtly close up.
• However, Invisalign requires discipline – the aligners have to be worn for a minimal of 20 to 22 hours a day.
• For more information, please refer to the Invisalign page here.

In order to know which orthodontic treatment is most suitable for you, consult one of our dental specialist/dentist and share with them your concerns (eg. aesthetic, comfort, affordability) so that they can advise accordingly.