What Are Braces?

Braces in Saratoga CA

Braces are dental appliances that are comprised of brackets, arch wires, and in some cases elastics. Nejat Orthodontics uses braces to provide beautiful and healthy smiles for children, teens, and even adults. It is advised that children of the age of seven or higher come in for an orthodontic screening to detect if there are any malocclusions, or problems with the alignment of their teeth. Early detection can help prevent more complicated issues from arising down the line.

Braces are worn in cases where patients suffer from misaligned teeth, jaw discrepancies, large spaces between teeth, or crowding of the teeth. Misaligned teeth can cause cosmetic wear to the teeth or even medical issues if they are left untreated.

How do braces work?

A typical brace consists of brackets, wires, and elastic bands. Brackets are appliances that are first attached to the teeth. The wires are then attached the brackets and kept in place with the help of elastic bands. The minimal amount of pressure applied to the tooth with the help of these bands will gradually shift the teeth to their correction position.

What are the different types of braces?

We offer a wide variety of braces to our patients to suit their individual needs:

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the most common type of braces available. Metal braces are generally made of high-grade stainless steel material and are composed of wires and small metal brackets. The brackets are bonded to the front surface of the teeth and the arch wires run through these brackets to apply the correct amount of pressure that gradually shift the teeth into place. Elastics and thin wires are used to keep the arch wires in place.

Self-ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are very similar to traditional metal braces. However, the difference between a self-ligating brace and a traditional brace is that the former does not require the need for elastic bands. Instead of elastic bands, they use a special clip to keep the arch wire in the right place.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces have a similar shape and functionality as that of traditional metal braces, however, they are clear. The word “clear” states that the material used to make the brackets, wires and bands are of a composite ceramic material that helps to mimic the color of the teeth. Ceramic braces provide a better aesthetic to metal braces because they are harder to detect. Though the material used is not hard as metal, they are very durable and will last during the period of treatment just as long as the patient uses caution.

Clear Aligners

Aligners are removable orthodontic appliances whose sole purpose is to straighten misaligned teeth. These aligners are sets of trays that have been shaped to gradually shift the teeth with each new set. They are made with a “Smart Track” material using 3D technology.