What is Bracket (Braces) Treatment?
Bracket treatment is an orthodontic treatment method performed by attaching brackets and wires to the teeth in order to properly align the teeth and correct the jaw structure. The brackets are small apparatus that are attached to the teeth and the wires are connected to these brackets, allowing the teeth to gradually move to the desired position. This treatment aims for the correct alignment of the teeth and jaw, both aesthetically and functionally.
Bracket (Braces) Treatment Types
Metal Brackets
Description: Traditional metal braces are made of stainless steel and are bonded over the teeth. Wires are attached to these brackets and allow the teeth to move to the desired position. Metal brackets are durable and are often preferred for children and teenagers.
Advantages: It is strong and durable, allowing the teeth to move quickly.
Disadvantages: High visibility and can be aesthetically uncomfortable for some people.
Ceramic Brackets
Description: Similar to metal braces, but made of ceramic material that is tooth-colored. It is therefore a less noticeable and aesthetic alternative.
Advantages: They are more aesthetically appealing and less noticeable because they are tooth-colored.
Disadvantages: More fragile and more costly than metal brackets.
Lingual Brackets
Description: They are braces that are bonded to the back surface of the teeth, so they are not visible from the outside. It is suitable for patients with aesthetic concerns.
Advantages: They are aesthetically very advantageous because they are invisible from the outside.
Disadvantages: Difficult to apply and maintain, may initially affect speech and language movements.
Transparent Aligners (Invisalign)
Description: It is a treatment that straightens teeth using clear, removable aligners that fit over the teeth.
Advantages: It is transparent, making it aesthetically almost invisible, and removable, making it easy to use while eating and brushing your teeth.
Disadvantages: May not be suitable in all cases and may be more expensive than conventional braces.
Gold Plated Brackets
Description: Gold plated versions of metal brackets. Gold plating provides an aesthetic appearance and may be more attractive to some patients.
Advantages: Gold plating can prevent allergic reactions and offers an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Disadvantages: More costly than metal brackets.
Self-Ligating Brackets
Description: These braces do not need elastic or metal ligatures to hold the braces. Instead, the brackets have a built-in clip system to hold the wires in place.
Advantages: It allows the teeth to move with less friction, the treatment time is usually shorter and requires fewer dental appointments.
Disadvantages: May not be suitable for some cases and may cost more.
These bracket types are selected according to the patient’s tooth and jaw structure, treatment requirements and aesthetic preference. The orthodontist determines the most appropriate treatment method and creates a treatment plan according to the patient’s needs.