Types of Braces
Braces For All Ages
Little Pearls Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics offers a full range of braces for our patients. Our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Smita Patel, will layout a customized treatment plan that carefully selects the best braces type for you or your child’s orthodontic needs and lifestyle. We provide braces for adults and children.
Book your FREE orthodontic consultation with our orthodontist in Seattle Queen Anne or Bothell today!
Traditional Metal Braces
When most people think of braces they think of traditional metal braces. Traditional braces have progressed a lot over the years and they are now lighter, more attractive and less bulky than they use to be. Metal braces are made of high-grade stainless steel that have tiny brackets cemented to each tooth. A thin wire (archwire) then runs along each bracket, linking them together. A tiny elastic band, also called a ligature, is then what connects this thin wire to the brackets. The archwire applies pressure to the teeth and moves them slowly into proper positioning.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are metal braces placed behind the teeth instead of in front like traditional braces and clear braces. If treatment allows, lingual braces are another great cosmetic alternative for adults and teenagers that don’t want to show they have braces. Unlike traditional braces, they are custom made. An impression of your teeth will be taken that is then sent to a lab where your custom brackets are made. Due to the time, labor and customization involved in lingual braces, they may be more costly and take a bit longer to reach treatment completion. If it allows you to keep your confidence while having your teeth fixed, well worth the extra.
Ceramic or Clear Braces
Ceramic or clear braces are a very popular choice for adults needing braces due to their cosmetic appeal. They are less visible than traditional metal braces. The difference between ceramic braces compared to traditional braces is the brackets are made out of a transparent ceramic material instead of metal. The drawback of clear braces for adults, teenagers or children is the elastic bands or ligatures can discolor in-between orthodontic visits.
Self Ligating Braces
This type of braces are gaining popularity for multiple reasons but it seems to be mostly due to less chair time and fewer orthodontist visits. Self-ligating braces are placed like traditional metal braces with the exception of the ligature (elastic band). Instead of the ligature or elastic band a clip is used to help the archwire continuously apply pressure and move teeth into alignment. This clip helps reduce the pressure placed on each tooth and allows for less adjustments to be needed by your orthodontist. Self-ligating braces can be metal or ceramic.
Invisalign
Ceramic or clear braces are a very popular choice for adults needing braces due to their cosmetic appeal. They are less visible than traditional metal braces. The difference between ceramic braces compared to traditional braces is the brackets are made out of a transparent ceramic material instead of metal. The drawback of clear braces for adults, teenagers or children is the elastic bands or ligatures can discolor in-between orthodontic visits.
