Metal/Clear Braces

What are Braces?

Braces are fixed orthodontic appliances used to correct alignment of teeth and bite. They are fitted on the upper, lower or both sets of teeth depending upon the correction required. They may be used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances that help to:

• Widen the palate or jaws.
• Create spaces between teeth.
• Shape the teeth and jaws.

Braces apply continuous pressure to move teeth in a specific direction to bring about the right alignment and bite. The treatment period lasts from as little as 6 weeks to three years, depending on the level of movement required and the type of brace that is used.

There are three primary reasons people need braces.

1. To correct their bite – In many people, the upper jaw and lower jaw don’t develop to the same size resulting in an overbite where the top teeth protrude, or an underbite in which the bottom teeth protrude. Your orthodontist may refer to this as a malocclusion. Regardless, if your bite doesn’t match up, you’re an exceptional candidate for braces to properly align your bite.
2. To straighten their teeth – straight teeth serve more than an aesthetic purpose. Along with having an incorrect bite, crooked or crowded teeth can interfere with chewing. Teeth that are crooked or misaligned may make it difficult for one to chew their food, which can ultimately lead to digestive problems since the food isn’t broken down properly in the mouth. Crooked teeth can also be more difficult to brush properly and keep clean which can result in tooth decay and cavities.
3. To improve their smile – it has been clinically proven that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem. Some people may not experience any of the problems above but may simply feel self-conscious about their smile. Braces simply give us all another reason to smile.

There are some other indications, in both adults and children that may suggest the need for braces. Some of these include:

• Difficulty or discomfort in chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Crowded or misplaced teeth
• Jaw discomfort or a popping feeling in the jaw
• Speech difficulty or impairment
• Teeth that don’t meet properly
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry
• Grinding or clenching of teeth

Self Ligating Braces

What are Self Ligating Braces?

Self Ligating Braces are a great way to enhance your smile.

Self Ligating Braces are braces with brackets that do not need the small metal or elastic bands that hold the wire in place, known as ligatures.

Instead of using the traditional ligatures or metal ties, the Self Ligating Braces have a ‘trap door’ like function that can be slid or flipped closed to engage the wire, allowing them to hold the arch wire in place themselves. This results in less friction being created between the wire and the bracket.

There are two different types of self-ligating braces: The first is a passive clip, which does not fully engage the wire into the brace. The second is an active clip, which puts pressure on the wire holding it into position.

What are the benefits of Self Ligating Braces?

In comparison to traditional braces, Self Ligating Braces are said to be easier to clean and slightly more comfortable due to decreased resistance between the brackets and the arch wire. They also require fewer adjustments and are less time consuming to be fitted because of the lack of bands or ties, which means you spend less time at the dentist and more time enjoying your new smile.