How Orthodontics Straighten Your Smile
The goal of orthodontic treatment is the same for children, teenagers or adults – to address issues such as crooked teeth, overcrowding, misalignment, overbites or underbites, which can lead to oral health problems and make it difficult to eat and talk.
This goal is achieved using braces or clear aligners that put gentle pressure on your teeth to move them into the correct position over a period of months or years.
As pressure is applied and the teeth move, the bone changes shape to accommodate the new positions of the teeth.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces, made of metal or ceramic, have been used for decades to straighten teeth. In recent years, advances in orthodontic treatment have resulted in low-profile braces that are considered more comfortable than those from the past and easier to care for.
How Do Braces Straighten Teeth?
Braces apply gentle but constant pressure to the teeth over a period of time. As this pressure is applied and the teeth move, the bone will adapt and conform, holding your teeth in their new positions.
After having braces, you will likely need to wear a retainer. This is important to ensure the long-term success of your orthodontic treatment.
Clear Aligners
With clear aligners, your smile is gradually straightened using a series of individually customized, clear plastic trays. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners require minimal adjustments – simply switch to the next set of aligners every few weeks to keep your treatment progressing.
Clear aligners offer a convenient, discreet option for teeth straightening. They are removable, allowing you to maintain your normal routine, such as eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, without any disruptions.
Similar in appearance to custom whitening trays, they are easy to insert and remove. You can even take them out to eat, drink, brush and floss!
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces closely resemble metal braces but use clear or tooth-coloured brackets in place of grey or metallic silver brackets and wires. While ceramic braces may be appealing because they can blend into the teeth, you may want to consider the durability, cost and care of these braces when making your decision.
Ceramic braces work the same way as traditional metal braces, pulling teeth gradually into different positions. The main difference between metal and ceramic braces is that ceramic braces are less visible, although the light colour means that extra care should be taken to avoid staining.
Damon Braces
Damon Braces are self-ligating braces that use a sliding mechanism to secure the archwire, unlike traditional braces that require elastic ties. This design allows the archwire to move more freely within the brackets, reducing friction and discomfort. With the Damon system, there is also no need for tiny elastics, which can be difficult to clean. This can lead to better oral hygiene during treatment.
Damon Braces differ from traditional braces and clear aligners by offering a more efficient tooth movement process, often with fewer adjustments. They come in metal and clear options, providing a less noticeable alternative to standard metal braces.