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Metal Braces

Metal brackets have come a long way in terms of design and wearability in the past few years. Gone are the metal braces with bands that wrapped around the entire tooth. The latest design have small metal brackets that are glued to the front of each tooth and those old-fashioned bands are usually reserved for molars or teeth with fillings that spill to the outside surface of a tooth. Metal brackets are still the best choice for most people. They are very strong and can hold up well to rough treatment. They are also the least expensive choice. Once fixed they cannot be removed by the teenager, who has to wait until the treatment is finished. The metal braces are strong, and treatment times can be shorter, due to the extra pressure they can put onto the teeth.
There are many style choices as well. Golden brackets can now be easily obtained with designer shaped brackets for that 'bling' look.

Metal brackets are very strong and can withstand most types of treatment. At first they may irritate your gums, but after a few weeks, when your cheeks get "toughened up" they are not a problem anymore. Most traditional metal braces require an elastic shaped rubber band, known in the trade as a 'ligature' - which holds the arch wire securely onto the metal bracket. Sometimes orthodontists use metal tie wires (little wires which are twisted around the bracket) instead of the elastic ligatures. Ligatures can be purchased in a range of colours - from vivid pink to almost whatever you like.

What are the benefits?

Kids who don't want braces may be persuaded by Wild Smiles - a company that makes designer brackets in the shape of footballs, flowers etc. Check them out at http://wildsmiles4you.com

Another type of metal brace is called the "speed brace" or self litigating braces. These braces don't need the rubber bands or ligatures and don't have the metal ties to hold the arch wire in place.

These speed braces have obvious advantages. No rubber bands to break, no awkward wire to get caught up. Most importantly, with automated adjustments, you don't need to go back to the dentist as much for appointments to adjust the braces.

See this site for speed braces http://www.ormco.com/damon/

There are many other types of self litigating bracket. If you ask your orthodontist they will go through the options for you.