Although you may not have been lucky enough to have been born with perfect teeth, treatment with braces can make a tremendous difference in your appearance. It can get overwhelming looking at all of the different types of braces, however.

Are Traditional Braces Still Popular?

Traditional braces have improved since they were first introduced. They are lighter in both weight and structure than before. They are constructed from stainless steel and consist of linked brackets attached using a thin wire. This wire pressures your teeth and shifts them gradually into their proper position.

Each wire connects to brackets with tiny elastics that are changed every time your braces are tightened. Traditional braces are also available that do not require these elastics and are called self-ligating braces.

What About Ceramic Braces?

Ceramic braces function like traditional braces but have brackets formed from clear ceramic material, making them less visible. This feature makes them popular with adults or children who would like their braces to be inconspicuous.

Clear and Removable Aligners

Another popular choice for braces is called Invisalign®. As the name suggests, it involves the use of clear aligners that are nearly invisible. The clear plastic aligners look like mouth guards that are tailored especially for the unique shape of your mouth.

One advantage of the Invisalign® system is that the clear aligners can be removed when you eat and clean your teeth. They are replaced every two weeks, and each series will adjust your teeth a step further.

The clear aligners can continue to be worn after your treatment is completed. This ensures that your results are maintained until the final settling of your teeth.

What are Palatal Expanders?

If you have overcrowded teeth, there are two possible remedies: tooth extraction or palatal expansion. Palatal expanders fit into your palate and pressure your teeth to shift further apart. This can also make room for other types of braces to be fitted to your teeth.

Learn More About the Types of Braces

During your initial orthodontic appointment at the office of Dr. Brodie Bowman, DMD, you can get all the facts about the different types of braces and which would work best for your unique situation. There is no one-size-fits-all method for orthodontic correction; the treatment is tailored to meet the needs of the individual. We have offices in Fort Walton Beach and Niceville. Contact us today to schedule your consultation to learn more.