Braces can be divided into removable or fixed type.
Removable Appliances
Removable Appliances
Removable appliances are usually used for growth modification (Phase 1) and mild irregularities.
Clear aligners are available for correction of mild to moderate malocclusion and post-treatment relapse. Unlike conventional braces, these aligners can be removed when you eat or drink and during your daily routine brushing and flossing. For instance, Invisalign
® is one of the clear aligners available in the market.
Invisalign
® consists of a series of custom-made removable aligners. Each aligner is individually made using 3-D computer technology. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, moving your teeth gradually week by week, until you have achieved the planned optimum result.
Fixed Appliances
Fixed Appliances
Conventional braces usually consist of stainless steel small brackets cemented to your teeth, connected by a wire. Depending on the type of braces, the wire can be held to the tooth using a clip that is built into the bracket (self-ligating braces), or by a series of a tiny rubber bands called ligatures.
Instead of flashing metal, colours may be added to make your braces more attractive and they can be changed during your monthly adjustment visits. You also have the option of having ‘invisible’ (ceramic) or lingual (behind the teeth) braces.
After Treatment
After Treatment
The position of our teeth continues to change throughout life. This is a long term process that can lead to changes in the bite or in the alignment of the teeth. In addition, teeth have the tendency to return toward their original position after orthodontic treatment. This is called relapse. Therefore, retainers are provided to minimize this and ensure stability of the treatment outcome. The dentist will provide you with instructions on care and use of the retainers.