Fixed braces
Fixed braces are attached to your teeth by your orthodontist. They give the best control to move your teeth, and can be placed on the inside or outside of your teeth.
Braces placed on the inside of the teeth are also called Lingual braces and the great thing is that they are totally invisible so your treatment can remain your secret. Win® is the latest lingual brace system and is truly state of the art.
Braces placed on the outside, is the more traditional method and are also referred to as Labial braces. They be made of metal (Stainless steel), Clear (Ceramic) or gold coloured. One type of labial brace, the Damon® appliance, tends to receives an inappropriate amount of press coverage for all the wrong reasons. It belongs to the family of labial braces that are self-ligating who’s only scientifically proven correct claim is that the wire can be fasted to the teeth a few seconds faster than the non self ligating braces. If you would like more detailed information about these type of brace Dr Manara will be able to expand on this in more detail.
Braces consist of three main parts; a bracket, an arch-wire and a connector. The bracket, is a square base glued to the surface of each tooth, an arch-wire which joins the brackets, and finally, a connector which connects the arch-wire to the brackets. Different types of brackets, arch-wires and connectors can be used.
The arch-wires vary in size and material and are changed as treatment progresses. The choice of arch-wire depends on the stage of your treatment and the particular situation. The aim is to achieve the tooth movements needed using as light a force as possible.
The connector can be made of:
- A rubber loop which is available in different colours. The main purpose of the different colours is to add a bit of fun and individuality to your brace. Ask Dr Manara what colours are available.
- A thin wire ligature. This is used to reduce friction or to have a more secure connection to the bracket.
- It can be part of the bracket. These are also called “self-ligating” brackets. The most commonly mentioned in the press in the Damon appliance™ . These braces have been around for a long time, and are very convenient in busy, high volume practices. This bracket includes a flap which locks the arch-wire in. The design means that the bracket is bulkier than a normal bracket. This can cause more rubbing. The claims that orthodontic treatment with these brackets is faster or mean that fewer teeth need to be extracted are false and not based on good independent scientific evidence.