What is a Bracket? What are the Types of Braces?

The most basic answer to the question "What is a bracket?" is as follows: A bracket (braces) is a medical dental material used to correct misalignment, crookedness, and gaps between teeth. If teeth are misaligned, the use of braces becomes necessary. This way, the appearance of the teeth is corrected without the need for surgery, allowing the patient to continue using their natural teeth.

Brackets are made of ceramic or metal materials. These small components, once prepared, are individually attached to each tooth. Brackets are then connected to each other with tense dental wires to address misalignment and gaps between teeth. Especially in orthodontic treatments for children, colored rubber bands are often used to provide additional support to the brackets.

The responsibility for dental braces treatment lies with an orthodontist. The duration of the treatment can vary from a few months to several years, depending on the condition of the patient's teeth. Therefore, it is not possible to provide an exact treatment duration. The type of braces used, the age of the patient, and their expectations from the treatment also influence this duration.

Types of Brackets (Dental Braces):

The type of dental braces used in orthodontic treatment varies depending on the oral or jaw condition. Additionally, the age and expectations of the patient also influence the choice of the treatment method. There are four main types of dental braces:

1. Metal Brackets:
   • Made of stainless steel or titanium.
   • Directly attached to the teeth.
   • Cost-effective compared to other types.
   • Low risk of breakage, durable, and easy to maintain.
2. Ceramic Brackets:
   • More aesthetic compared to metal brackets.
   • Transparent or tooth-colored.
   • Slightly more expensive than metal brackets.
   • More fragile and may discolor if oral care is neglected.
3. Lingual Brackets:
   • Also known as invisible braces.
   • Placed on the backside of the teeth, making them less visible.
   • Custom-made for each patient.
   • Treatment duration varies, typically between 1 to 3 years.
4. Invisalign:
   • Transparent plastic aligners.
   • Not traditional braces but used for correcting misalignment.
   • Can be removed while eating for better oral hygiene.
   • Requires regular replacements as the teeth shift.

Metal Brackets:

Metal dental braces are the most commonly preferred brackets. They are made of stainless steel or titanium and are directly attached to the teeth. The material does not degrade over time, and the metal wires threaded through the brackets gradually correct the misalignment of the teeth.

Metal dental braces are more affordable than transparent dental braces. They have a very low risk of breakage and are more durable than transparent aligners. They are easy to maintain and clean, and they do not pose any health risks. However, some patients may feel discomfort while smiling or talking due to the metal appearance.

Ceramic Brackets:

Ceramic dental braces are more aesthetically pleasing compared to metal braces, making them a preferred choice, especially for adult patients who want to avoid a visible appearance of braces. They are transparent or tooth-colored, allowing for easy monitoring of the teeth's surface during treatment.

While ceramic brackets are more expensive than metal ones, the treatment duration is shorter than that of invisible orthodontic treatments. It's essential to note that the color of ceramic brackets may be affected over time if oral care is not maintained. They are more fragile than metal brackets and may cause discomfort in the lips and cheeks due to their larger volume. Removing them from the teeth at the end of treatment is more challenging, and there is a risk of breakage.

Lingual Brackets:

Continuing with the discussion of brackets, lingual brackets are also known as invisible braces. Unlike metal and transparent dental wires, lingual brackets are placed on the backside of the teeth, making them invisible from the front. This allows patients who want to correct the appearance of their teeth to continue using braces without any visible changes during the treatment process.

In the initial stages of lingual bracket treatment, the patient's tooth measurements are taken, and these measurements are sent to the laboratory. Subsequently, customized brackets for the patient are prepared. The treatment duration varies depending on the degree of misalignment of the teeth but generally ranges between 1 and 3 years.

Invisalign:

Invisalign treatment is not a traditional dental braces treatment. Patients also choose Invisalign (transparent dental aligners) to correct misalignment and close gaps between teeth. The use of transparent dental aligners, as an alternative to traditional braces, is more comfortable than other types of dental braces that may cause discomfort.

You can remove the transparent tray when eating, making it easier to maintain oral and dental hygiene. Invisalign use does not lead to sores on the mouth or tongue, as is the case with other types of dental braces. Therefore, the treatment process is less painful. Although the trays may cause initial discomfort by squeezing the teeth when first used, this discomfort diminishes quickly.

Invisalign is prepared in the laboratory by taking the patient's tooth measurements. During treatment, a new tray should be used every two weeks. The changes in the teeth are monitored digitally under the supervision of the dentist.

How Are Dental Braces Attached?

We provided a detailed explanation of what a bracket is. There are two main methods for attaching brackets; direct and indirect. In direct bracket placement, the tooth surfaces are first dried because the teeth must never be wet when the dental wire is attached. After drying the teeth, the prepared brackets are individually placed on the tooth surfaces. Both metal and ceramic brackets are attached to the teeth using this method.

Indirect bracket placement is performed by taking the patient's oral measurements. A bracket model is created in the laboratory based on the oral measurements taken from the patient. The brackets placed on this model are then transferred to the patient's teeth.

How to Care for Dental Braces?

To use brackets in the healthiest way possible, it is crucial to maintain regular oral and dental care. Therefore, after dental wires are attached, you must follow the steps your dentist asks you to follow without skipping any. Bracket care can generally be done as follows:

• Avoid sticky and hard foods. This prevents brackets from breaking and extends the treatment duration.
• To prevent tooth decay during treatment, avoid sugary and acidic foods.
• Regularly clean your teeth with a toothbrush and dental floss. If recommended by your dentist, you can also use a dental brace brush.
• Use fluoride toothpaste to ensure better cleaning of your teeth.
• Do not miss your appointments with the dentist and orthodontist. Attend regular check-ups.
• Be sure to read: Correct Tooth Brushing Technique

Dental Brace Treatment Prices

The brand, method, and duration of treatment affect the prices of dental brace treatments. Therefore, it is not possible to provide exact prices before examination and planning. The more challenging and prolonged the treatment, the higher the cost.

In general, dental brace treatment prices range between 1.143 £ and 2.428 £ . For a detailed treatment plan and precise pricing, you can contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions