New materials, technology and experience have led to the development of different types of braces
that can be used in orthodontic treatment. Please see our summary below about the types of braces available
to help you decide on which braces are best for you.
At Platinum Orthodontics, Dr Gavin Lenz and Dr Emily Ong offer conventional braces, coloured braces, clear braces,
self-ligating braces, lingual braces and Invisalign.
Invisalign® treatment involves a series of clear, plastic, removable aligners to move your teeth to the desired position.
These are fantastic for those individuals who require a limited amount of movement of the teeth, whilst aesthetics and function
are of paramount importance.
Conventional Braces are the most popular in most orthodontics practices. They require elastic ties (O-rings) to hold the wire in the braces. We have many different coloured O-rings to give you coloured braces.
You can customize your braces and your smile every time you see us!
Or if you want to go for a more discreet option, choose ceramic braces. These use a tooth coloured bracket which blends in more naturally.
Lingual Braces are attached to the inside surface of the teeth (at the back of the teeth) and cannot be seen.
At least, they normally cannot be seen! It may take time for the tongue to adapt. Treatment with Lingual Braces may take longer overall and each adjustment appointment takes longer than Conventional Braces.
Self-ligating Braces do not need O-rings or wire ties to hold the wire in. Self-ligating Braces may offer certain advantages over conventional and ceramic braces including fewer appointments in total due to longer inter-appointment intervals and shorter appointment time. These brackets may also be easier to clean which reduces the risk of decay or gum disease. Self-ligating braces and conventional braces have been shown to have similar efficiency and effectiveness in treatment – according to numerous studies.
There are a wide range of options because there are a wide range of requirements. For some orthodontic conditions there is a clear solution, but in most cases it comes down to you and your lifestyle.
For instance children and young adults often choose metal braces. These require some care but it’s very easy to get used to them, and you can’t forget to put them on. Plus a lot of their friends are wearing braces so there’s less of a concern about how noticeable they are.
Adults often choose clear aligners such as Invisalign, as these are almost invisible, and provide more flexibility when it comes to eating, but they do require a greater level of responsibility to ensure they’re put back for at least 22 hours a day.
Ultimately the best braces are the ones that will get you to your best smile as quickly as possible and are the most compatible with your lifestyle. The person that can help you find that option is your local orthodontist, so give us a call and we can get you on the path with a free consultation.
