Metal braces
Metal braces with brackets are probably the first image coming into everyone’s mind when orthodontic treatments are mentioned. The invention of these braces was largely facilitated by the invention of dental adhesives during the 1970s and the increasingly widespread use of stainless steel in orthodontics. Prior to these braces, orthodontic conditions were mostly treated with precious metal bands wrapped around each tooth. These were costly and inefficient. The use of stainless steel braces with brackets has allowed orthodontic treatments to reach all segments of the population. Metal braces work on a relatively simple principle: the brackets are attached to the surface of the teeth using a dental adhesive, which are then bound together by a metal archwire. By increasing the tension of the archwire, your orthodontist can adjust the pressure required to achieve the desired results. Your dentist will periodically do this to allow the treatment to progress. If you are interested in consulting our orthodontist Hampshire about getting braces, visit our website for our contact details and book an appointment with us at Winchester Orthodontics.
Clear braces and lingual braces
Clear braces work on the same principles as traditional metal braces with brackets. With clear braces, the brackets are attached to the surface of each tooth, which are then bound together using an archwire. The main difference between clear braces and metal braces is the materials used during their manufacturing. While traditional braces consist exclusively of a metal, such as stainless steel, clear braces are mostly composed of different types of plastic or a composite material. The brackets are usually made out of a tooth coloured material, while the archwire is most often made out of a transparent plastic. This allows clear braces to be much less visible than traditional metal braces, while being able to treat all the conditions that traditional braces can treat. Lingual braces also work on the same principle. The main difference is that the brackets of lingual braces are custom made and they are placed on the inner surface of the teeth. This allows them to be almost unnoticeable, as there is nothing on the outer surface of your teeth. If you are interested in talking to our orthodontist Hampshire about treating orthodontic conditions, book an appointment with us today.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a relatively novel way of treating orthodontic conditions. Invisible aligners are plastic shells, which fit perfectly on your dental arches. The materials they are made out of are transparent, therefore it is quite difficult to notice them. The aligners can be removed, therefore you do not have to worry about staining them with food or drinks. This also means that you can simply practice your regular oral hygiene routine without the need for specialised toothbrushes. During the treatment, multiple aligners are manufactured, which adjusts the pressure exerted on the teeth. Invisalign has an incredible number of benefits, however it is only able to treat mild to moderate conditions, and patients with typical tooth shapes and sizes. If you are interested in discussing potential Invisalign treatments with our orthodontist Hampshire, get in touch with us for an appointment!