Types of Braces
Removable Plates
Removable plates are most
commonly used in very young children who do not yet have their permanent teeth,
but they can be used for all ages, including adults. We use removable plates
to:
- Expand and create space in the jaws in cases of tooth crowding
- Correct cross bites
- Encourage forward growth of the lower jaw when required
Removable plates are usually worn full-time except for eating and brushing your teeth. They come in a variety of colours, from completely clear (Invisalign) to fluorescent with glitter!
Metal Braces
These are the most common type of
braces that we use for children and teenagers. Metal braces are made out of
high-grade stainless steel or titanium and are the most durable braces
available so they are most able to withstand the ‘rough and tumble’ of children
and teenagers’ lives.
Metal braces come in two types – conventional , which are used with elastic bands, and self-ligating which do not require elastic bands.
Ceramic Tooth-coloured Braces
Tooth-coloured braces are the
most common type of braces we use for adults and are made out of ceramic. They
function the same way as metal braces but are much less visible, so generally
all you can see is the wire. They are
very popular with our adult patients!
Invisalign
Invisalign is a method of
straightening teeth that uses a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners
which are worn over the teeth and changed by the patient every two weeks. These
aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic
that you wear over your teeth.
Teeth straighten gradually over a period of months. Invisalign aligners contain no metal brackets or wires and removable, comfortable, and, best of all, invisible. They are also removable for eating and tooth brushing. The best part about the whole process is that most people won't even know you're straightening your teeth. Unfortunately Invisalign is not suitable for all patients as it cannot provide orthopaedic bone movement or jaw repositioning, but our orthodontic team will be able to advise if this treatment is suitable for your individual case.
Find out more about Invisalign here.