Finding the right type of braces can be as easy as educating yourself on the different varities. Today there are many different styles of braces. Learning about your different choices and which type of braces will fit your cosmetic and functional needs.
The traditional type of braces are made from stainless steel. The ties that are attached to each of your teeth are made of the stainless steel material. Also the main wire (the arch wire attached to your brackets and used to get the position your dentist desires) is made of stainless steel. Smaller brackets are common and are more comfortable than the older larger brackets. Using colored bands is a way to dress up the silver look and make it more customized to your taste and personal style.
If you find the silver braces unwelcoming gold plated braces may be the way to go. They are still made of stainless steel but have a gold overlay. The gold plating is also an option for patients that may have an allergic reaction to the nickel found in stainless steel. The most obvious reason that the components of the gold braces are only gold plated is the cost, it could get very expensive if the brackets and wires were made of pure gold. Pure gold is also soft and would not stand up to the pressure that the stronger metals would be able to substain. Having gold plated braces gives you the durability of the stainless steel but the appearance of the gold.
The traditional metal braces are permanent until removed by your dentist and require extra care. Flossing can be difficult but if you use a floss threader it can help. A floss threader helps insert the floss under the wire and between the teeth. You can also use a proxy brush (or tree) to remove the food particles. Waterpiks spray a stream of water that can loosen the food between the teeth. Brushing around the brackets should be done with diligence and after every meal or snack. This will help keep plaque from building up in these areas. Use a fluoride mouth rinse to help strengthen the enamel while wearing your braces. Last but not least, avoid foods that stick to your teeth like gummy bears or taffees and cut up your apple and carrots to avoid loosening a bracket off of your tooth.
The traditional type of braces are made from stainless steel. The ties that are attached to each of your teeth are made of the stainless steel material. Also the main wire (the arch wire attached to your brackets and used to get the position your dentist desires) is made of stainless steel. Smaller brackets are common and are more comfortable than the older larger brackets. Using colored bands is a way to dress up the silver look and make it more customized to your taste and personal style.
If you find the silver braces unwelcoming gold plated braces may be the way to go. They are still made of stainless steel but have a gold overlay. The gold plating is also an option for patients that may have an allergic reaction to the nickel found in stainless steel. The most obvious reason that the components of the gold braces are only gold plated is the cost, it could get very expensive if the brackets and wires were made of pure gold. Pure gold is also soft and would not stand up to the pressure that the stronger metals would be able to substain. Having gold plated braces gives you the durability of the stainless steel but the appearance of the gold.
The traditional metal braces are permanent until removed by your dentist and require extra care. Flossing can be difficult but if you use a floss threader it can help. A floss threader helps insert the floss under the wire and between the teeth. You can also use a proxy brush (or tree) to remove the food particles. Waterpiks spray a stream of water that can loosen the food between the teeth. Brushing around the brackets should be done with diligence and after every meal or snack. This will help keep plaque from building up in these areas. Use a fluoride mouth rinse to help strengthen the enamel while wearing your braces. Last but not least, avoid foods that stick to your teeth like gummy bears or taffees and cut up your apple and carrots to avoid loosening a bracket off of your tooth.