Modern orthodontics offers vast opportunities for bite correction and teeth alignment, and dental braces are one of the most popular methods. If you are concerned about crooked teeth, misalignment, or simply wish to improve the aesthetics of your smile, this text will help you understand how braces work. As well as the types available, and the steps involved in the installation process to achieve the desired result. Read until the end to find out which options might be right for you.
What Are Dental Braces
Dental braces are orthodontic devices attached to the teeth to gradually move them into the desired position. They are used to correct bites, align teeth, and address other dental issues, such as crowding or improper jaw alignment. Braces not only enhance appearance but also prevent problems like excessive tooth wear and jaw joint pain.
Types of Dental Braces
By Material
Metal Braces. A classic option made of high-quality steel.
- Pros: Most affordable, highly durable, suitable for complex cases.
- Cons: Most noticeable, may cause allergies or oxidation.
Ceramic Braces. Made of ceramic similar to tooth color.
- Pros: Less noticeable, aesthetic, non-allergenic.
- Cons: More expensive than metal braces, less durable, longer treatment time.
Sapphire Braces. Made from monocrystalline aluminum oxide.
- Pros: Almost invisible, ideal for those who value aesthetics. Non-irritating and non-allergenic.
- Cons: More expensive than metal and ceramic, cannot withstand high pressure on the archwire, longer treatment time.
By Attachment Method
Ligature Braces. Traditional braces where the archwire is secured to the brackets with ligatures (rubber bands or metal wires).
- Pros: Proven effectiveness (fast teeth alignment), relatively low cost, strong (allows adjustment of archwire fixation at any time).
- Cons: Require frequent ligature replacement, increasing the number of visits to the orthodontist, longer adaptation period, harder to clean.
Self-ligating Braces. Braces without ligatures, equipped with built-in archwire locks (microclips).
- Pros: Fewer visits needed as there are no ligatures, easier to maintain, minimal adaptation period.
- Cons: More expensive than ligature braces, potentially less effective for complex conditions.
By Position on Teeth
Vestibular Braces. Attached to the front (outer) side of the teeth.
- Pros: Standard, accessible method, easy to install, minimal impact on speech.
- Cons: Visible when smiling, which may not appeal to everyone; can irritate lips and cheeks during adaptation.
Lingual Braces. Attached to the inner (tongue) side of the teeth.
- Pros: Invisible during conversation and smiling, effective for deep bites, made of biocompatible materials, non-allergenic.
- Cons: Harder to clean, can cause tongue discomfort, most expensive option.
Stages of Braces Installation
The orthodontist examines the teeth, takes X-rays, and analyzes the state of the teeth and bite. A treatment plan is created.
Teeth are cleaned, cavities are treated if necessary, and tartar is removed.
Braces are attached to the teeth with special glue, and the archwire is then installed to gradually move the teeth.
Throughout treatment, regular visits to the orthodontist are needed for archwire adjustments and monitoring the teeth's movement (the frequency and number of adjustments are discussed individually).
Once treatment is complete, the braces are removed, and the patient may be advised to wear a retainer to secure the result and prevent teeth from shifting back.