Mal-aligned teeth are people’s primary concern these days owing to concerns over their esthetics and appearance. Orthodontic treatment, performed using braces and brackets, aids in the alignment of all teeth in their proper position, addressing your functional and esthetic concerns.

There are several varieties of brackets, for you to choose from:

Like metal brackets, ceramic brackets, lingual brackets (invisible braces), Invisalign & Clearpath clear aligners.

 

Time

Orthodontic treatment needs minimum of 8-10 months to align the teeth.

 

Types of Braces:

Today’s orthodontics offer a variety of braces you can choose from. Check out your options:

Metal braces/Traditional braces

These are the metal brackets and wires that most people picture when they hear the word “braces”. However, modern brackets are smaller and less noticeable than the notorious “metal-mouth” braces that many adults remember. Plus, new heat-activated arch wires use your body heat to help teeth move more quickly and less painfully than in the past.

Pros: Least expensive type; colored bands give kids a chance to express themselves 
Cons: Most noticeable type of braces

 

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they have tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with the teeth. Some even use tooth-colored wires to be even less noticeable.

Pros: Less noticeable than metal braces; More esthetic appearance boosting ones confidence and self-esteem.
Cons: More expensive than metal braces; Brackets can stain easily if patients don’t care for them well

 

Damon braces (Self Ligating braces/Speed braces)

The Damon system is an orthodontic treatment that uses self-ligating braces. This means that rather than attaching the arch wire to the brackets with elastic ligatures, the brackets themselves have a component that closes around the wire to keep it attached.

The advantages of a self-ligating system over standard braces are significant. Aesthetically, metal Damon system brackets are less noticeable than the brackets of traditional metal braces. But since both conventional and Damon system braces now come in clear versions for the image conscious, this argument is not as persuasive as it might once have been.

What can’t be easily overlooked, however, is the reduced treatment time that can be experienced using the Damon system. Damon patients have fewer appointments as compared to the metal braces group in order to get their smiles looking great.

Because no friction is involved by using elastic or metal ligatures, your teeth can slide more freely, thus shortening the treatment time, as well as causing less pain during treatment.

The elastics associated with conventional braces can also accumulate bacteria and plaque and often become discolored with different foods and beverages. By eliminating these ligatures, the Damon system can lead to better oral health during orthodontic treatment, making your smile that much healthier when the braces come off.

 

Pros: Less noticeable than metal braces;

Cons: More expensive than metal braces

 

Lingual Braces (Invisible braces)

Lingual braces are the same as traditional metal braces, except that the brackets and wires are placed on the inner side of teeth.

Pros: Invisible from outside. More esthetic appearing, boosting ones confidence and self-esteem.
Cons: Difficult to clean; more expensive; not appropriate for severe cases; can be more uncomfortable at first; regular adjustments take longer and are more difficult than with traditional braces

 

Invisalign

Invisalign consists of a series of 18 to 30 custom-made, mouth guard-like clear, translucent plastic aligners. The aligners are removable and are replaced every 2 weeks.

Pros: Almost invisible; Patients can eat and drink whatever they want. More esthetic appearing, boosting ones confidence and self-esteem.

Cons:  More expensive option; can be easily lost and costly to replace; treatment may potentially take longer.