Types of braces

Traditional metal braces

These are the most commonly used braces worldwide and are what many people think of when they have been told they need to have braces. Traditional metal braces consist of silver metal brackets made from high grade stainless steel. These brackets are bonded onto the surface of each individual tooth and connected by a thin metal wire, known as an archwire. Tiny coloured rubber bands, also known as elastics or o-rings, are often used to hold the archwire onto the brackets. This gives you the opportunity to jazz up your brackets with different colours every six weeks and have some fun with your orthodontic treatment.

Clear ceramic braces

These braces are a great option if you are worried about what you’ll look like with braces on your teeth. The ceramic brackets that are fitted to the surface of your teeth are made of clear materials. This makes them less visible compared to metal braces, so you won’t need to feel self-conscious about having treatment. It is for this reason that older teenagers and adults who have cosmetic concerns select ceramic brackets as they “blend in” with their teeth. The o-rings (tiny rubber bands) that hold the wire on to the brackets are clear too. Basically, clear ceramic braces are just like traditional metal braces, but much less visible.

Invisible braces

Invisible braces aren’t really braces at all, but they are virtually invisible. Instead, invisible braces are what Invisalign is often known as. Invisalign is a near-invisible brace technology, which uses a series of clear, thin, removable mouthguards (known as aligners) to straighten your teeth. This is instead of metal brackets and archwires. The aligners are very much like bleaching trays or thin sports mouthguards and are custom-made to your teeth. Every two weeks you will change your aligners and over time your teeth will gradually move into the desired position. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible to other people and are extremely comfortable to wear.

Hidden braces

Hidden braces, also known as lingual braces, are braces where the brackets are glued to the inside surface (back) of your teeth. This means they are virtually invisible from the outside. Lingual braces brackets are made from a gold alloy and are customised to fit your individual teeth using precise impressions taken at your initial consultation. The robotically bent wires fit into the custom-made brackets and gradually straighten your teeth.

At Auckland Orthodontics, we use Incognito™ lingual braces because they are completely hidden behind your teeth; they use digital technology to engineer brackets and wires to deliver a precise, targeted result; and they are 100% customised for you for improved comfort and a efficient treatment.