Few people are lucky enough to be born with perfect teeth, but orthodontic treatment can make a huge difference to you or your child. Your orthodontist may recommend any of the following types of braces or dental appliances to help correct your particular problem.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces have progressed since the early days and are now lighter in weight and structure than they used to be. They are made from high-grade stainless steel and have metal brackets that are attached to each tooth using a type of cement. The brackets are linked to each other with a thin archwire, which puts pressure on the teeth to cause them to move slowly into the correct position.

Archwires are linked to brackets with small elastics, known as ligatures or o-rings, which your orthodontist changes during brace adjustments. Some types of brace have brackets that don’t need o-rings, and these are called self-ligating braces.

Ceramic Braces

These work in the same way as traditional braces, but the brackets are made from a clear, transparent ceramic material. The braces are less visible to others, which makes them a popular choice for adults who need orthodontic treatment. Patients with these may experience occasional discoloration of elastics, leading to marks on the teeth, as noted by Drs. William and Lewis Chapman, orthodontic experts. Consider using Colgate® Phos-Flur® Anti-Cavity Fluoride Rinse, as recommended by your orthodontist, to provide fluoride protection and prevent cavities.

Damon Braces

Damon braces are gaining popularity among orthodontists for their gentle treatment and fewer dental visits. They utilize a self-ligating system with a slide mechanism instead of elastics for connecting archwires.

These braces produce faster results because the teeth can move on their own without needing to be adjusted. This causes less friction and pressure on the teeth, so movement is less painful. The braces are also easier to keep clean. Having to make fewer trips to your dental professional means that the process costs less time and money, too.

Clear and Removable Aligners

Invisalign is a type of clear aligner that you can use instead of metal or Damon braces. This involves a range of clear plastic aligners that resemble mouth guards, which are custom-made for you. They are removable for eating and cleaning, and you change them out for a newly made aligner every two weeks. Each new aligner takes the adjustment of your teeth one step further.

Clear aligners are also recommended for ongoing use after you complete your orthodontic treatment. These appliances help to maintain the results you want until your teeth have settled down and finished moving.

Forsus Appliances

Screening by an orthodontist at age 7 is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists, as early childhood is optimal for treatment. Some children require the use of Forsus appliances to correct difficult overbites, and these have largely replaced the use of headgear for braces. The Forsus appliance is a spring worn inside the cheeks that attaches to the brace to adjust the upper or lower jaw into position.

Palatal Expanders

For patients who have overcrowded teeth, two options to remedy the problem are tooth extraction and palatal expansion. While tooth extraction was once the preferred solution, modern orthodontists often recommend using a palatal expander for a specified period. This device, fitting onto your palate, exerts pressure on the back of your upper molars to gradually widen the gap between your teeth. This expands your palate and makes it possible for other types of braces to be fitted to correct the position of your teeth.