Types of Braces
A. Self –Ligating
Self-ligating braces are similar to traditional orthodontic braces in their material make-up and have the same basic function. As with traditional metal braces, there are several variations of self-ligating braces. Self-ligating means that the bracket can basically tie itself to the arch wire.
There are no metal or elastic ties necessary with self-ligating braces as a built in “trap door” can be slid or flipped closed to engage the wire. This trap door holds the wire loosely in position, which reduces friction, but also allows less control of tooth movement.
B. Sapphire
Sapphire Inspire is made of pure monocrystalline sapphire and is very translucent. They are very strong and do not stain. It will more or less disappear if your teeth are already very white. The pros and cons for Sapphire brackets are the same as those for Ceramic brackets.
C. Ceramic
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth. It is made of a high tech glass-like composite material developed as a spinoff material by the NASA space program. They are very strong and generally doing not stain. These are the type of braces many celebrities had worn/wear. Adults like to choose ceramic because they “blend in” with the teeth and are less noticeable than metal and don’t make our smile look metallic. A clear or tooth colored tie is used with ceramic braces. Most family and friends will not even notice your braces. Ceramic braces are guaranteed not to stain by the manufacturer, barring some foods, coffee, coke, curry, smoking etc and are expensive.