Metal Braces

Metal braces are made from high-grade stainless steel and are popular with the younger patients; who love the option of adding various colors of rubber bands available for a more colorful smile. These braces are much smaller and more comfortable these days, also worn by more adults.

Metal braces use a system of brackets and wires to move your teeth into the desired position. The small metal brackets are glued to the front of the teeth. Small wires are shaped to the ideal shape of your smile. Once threaded through the brackets, the wires strive to return to their original shape. This process gradually moves your teeth into a perfect alignment.

The process usually lasts 12 to 30 months, although this timeframe is different for each patient’s needs.

Ceramic Clear Braces

Ceramic brackets are a type of braces that are translucent (instead of the traditional metal brackets). This results in a more inconspicuous, aesthetically pleasing look, as the color blends naturally with your teeth.

There is no technical advantage to ceramic braces as compared to traditional metal ones. These are generally preferred among young adults because they provide a more natural tooth color which is less visually obvious. However, it should be properly noted that ceramic is not transparent, and the archwire connecting the ceramic brackets will maintain the metallic silver color. Because the ceramic material is abrasive to tooth enamel, if you have a deep bite, you may not be able to use ceramic braces on your lower teeth.