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What are braces?
Dental braces are a type of orthodontic treatment designed to improve misalignments or malocclusions. The braces go over the teeth and apply pressure to correct overcrowding, uneven spacing, bite issues, and other dental problems. With different types of braces available, you can effectively get the perfect smile — even as an adult!
Contact our adult braces Sparks team to learn more about treatment options and see what type of braces fit your lifestyle and budget.
What are the different types of braces?
Depending on the severity of your dental misalignment, oral health needs, and lifestyle preferences, different types of adult braces options to consider include:
1. Metal braces
For decades, traditional metal braces have helped patients straighten their teeth using metal brackets and wires. The stainless steel brackets are bonded to each tooth with the metal wire running through them. Small elastic bands then go around each bracket to keep the wire in place during treatment.
2. Ceramic braces
Ceramic or clear braces are similar to traditional braces in the way they straighten teeth. However, the key difference is how they blend in with your smile. Clear braces use tooth-colored brackets that are less noticeable than metal brackets.
3. Clear aligners
Also known as invisible braces, clear aligners are plastic trays that fit directly over the teeth. Patients wear the aligners for about a week and periodically switch to the next set to progressively straighten teeth over several months. If you’ve always wanted straight teeth but don’t want bulky braces, clear aligners are the perfect choice.
4. Lingual braces
A lesser-known orthodontic option is lingual braces. They work just like traditional braces but are placed on the inner surface of the teeth rather than the front.
5. Self-ligating braces
Rather than using tiny rubber bands to hold the archwire in place, ligating braces use brackets with a built-in mechanism to hold the wire.