New materials, technology and experience have led to the development of different types of braces that can be used in orthodontic treatment. See our summary below regarding the types of braces available to help you decide on which braces are best for you. (You can view the images in a larger format by moving your mouse cursor over the image).
At Platinum Orthodontics, Dr Gavin Lenz and Dr Emily Ong offer conventional braces, coloured braces, clear braces, self ligating braces, lingual braces and Invisalign.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® treatment involves a series of clear, plastic, removable aligners that are used to move your teeth to the desired position. These are fantastic for those individuals for whom a limited amount of movement of the teeth is necessary, and aesthetics and function are of paramount importance.
Self Ligating Braces
Self Ligating Braces do not need O-rings or wire ties to hold the wire in. Self Ligating Braces may offer certain advantages over conventional and ceramic braces including fewer appointments in total due to longer inter-appointment intervals, shorter appointment time. These brackets may also be easier to clean which reduces the risk of decay or gum disease.
Ceramic Braces (Clear Braces, Tooth Coloured Braces)
Clear Braces are much less obvious as they are tooth coloured and blend in very well with your teeth.
Lingual Braces
Lingual Braces are attached to the inside surface of the teeth (at the back of the teeth) and cannot be seen. They certainly look great! It may take time for the tongue to adapt. Treatment with Lingual Braces may take longer overall and each adjustment appointment takes longer than Conventional Braces.
Conventional (Stainless Steel) Braces, Coloured Braces
Conventional Braces are the most popular in most orthodontics practices. They require either wire ties or elastic ties (O-rings) to hold the wire in the braces. We have many different coloured O-rings to give you coloured braces. You can customise your braces and your smile every time you see us!
Which braces are the best?
It is important to remember these different types of braces are tools to enable us to create the ideal smile for you. So the decision, in most cases, is up to you!