Types of Dental Braces
Dental braces are also known as orthodontic braces. They are cosmetic dentistry devices that are used to straighten or align teeth that are crooked or out of alignment. Some of the conditions that dental braces are used to correct include malocclusions, under bites, cross bites, overbites, deep bites, open bites and crooked teeth. Dental braces are used together with other devices that help in widening of the patient's palate or jaws.
Modern dental braces are highly advanced, and utilise the principle of application of pressure on the teeth, to gradually pull them into alignment. Braces can be made of a variety of materials such as wire, arch wire, brackets, bonding material and ligature elastic. An orthodontist will usually select the best type of dental braces for his patient. The pressure applied by braces results in the periodontal membrane getting stretched on one side (inner or outer depending on whether the teeth are jutting inwards or outwards), while the opposite side is under compressive stress.
Below are some common types of dental braces:
• Traditional Metal Braces: This type of braces is made of stainless steel. Sometimes, stainless steel is used in conjunction with titanium. Conventional braces require the use of ties for holding the arch wire firmly in place. The modern version of this type of dental braces is called a self-litigating (self tying) bracket. These dental braces have the advantage of creating less friction between the bracket slot and the wire. They were common in the past in Essex dental clinics.
• Clear Braces: These braces are a highly popular type of dental braces. The reason for this is their ability to blend in with the natural tooth colour, making them a lot less conspicuous than traditional wire braces. Clear braces are usually made of plastic or ceramic material. The ties are either a clear tone or white in colour, which makes them less conspicuous. Most Essex clinics prefer these braces.
• Stainless Steel Braces With Gold Plating: Some patients develop an allergic reaction to nickel, which is used in the manufacture of stainless steel. For these patients, stainless steel braces are coated with gold, which is a highly inert metal that is well tolerated by most people. Other patients, however, use these dental braces simply because they prefer the look of gold to the silver look of conventional braces.
• Lingual Braces: These dental braces are fixed to the back of the teeth, and are virtually inconspicuous to other people.
• Titanium Braces: These dental braces resemble stainless steel braces, but are lighter (but equally strong). They are ideal for use on patients who are allergic to stainless steel.
Most clinics in Essex have a variety of these braces. Your orthodontist will advise you on the best type of braces for you.
For cosmetic dentistry give our cosmetic dentist a call on 01708-442-114. Perfect Smile Spa is a leading cosmetic dentistry clinic situated in Hornchurch Essex.
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