Ceramic & Metal Braces

• Metal and Ceramic Braces

• Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal dental braces are the most common type of braces. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and arch wires. With metal dental braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile. Self-ligating braces are also available, which do not require colored elastics.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic dental braces are made of a clear ceramic material, which are less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are fragile than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces are used primarily on upper front teeth. Not all patients are candidates for ceramic dental braces.

How To Take Care Of Your Braces :

• Use a soft bristle brush with a toothpaste containing fluoride

• Brush after every meal.

• If you cannot brush right away, rinse well with water.

• Most importantly, at least once everyday brush vigorously and floss until your teeth and braces are spotlessly cleaned. This should take no less than five minutes.

• To be extra careful, rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing.

• Concentrate on the Danger Zone! This is the area between your bracket and your gum margin.

Eating proper types of food, minimizing sugar intake and getting enough sleep are essential during orthodontic treatment. Your braces are precise appliances that can be damaged by eating hard foods. Some soft and sticky foods can cause tooth decay and loosen or dislodge your braces.

Avoid soda pop and drinks that contain sugar. Use common sense when choosing food to put in your mouth and avoid chewing on hard objects such as pens and pencils. Whole fruits and vegetable such as apples and carrots should be cooked or cut into small pieces and eaten carefully.

Troubleshooting during orthodontic treatment:

• Loose band or bracket.

The seal created by the cement (glue) has been broken. Call office and schedule an appointment. If band or bracket detaches from wire, save it and bring it with you for your next appointment.

• Broken arch wire or Headgear, lost ligature or hook.

These problems could cause the teeth to shift in the wrong direction and must be corrected as soon as possible.

• Soreness

To relieve any soreness, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and/or take Advil or Tylenol as directed.