Braces Near Elgin SC

In years past, getting braces meant wearing metal brackets and wires for what seemed like decades. Now there are many options for braces. Traditional metal braces are still available, but Invisalign and clear ceramic braces offer variety.

Traditional braces have evolved slightly over the years. The brackets are affixed to your teeth, and then the archwire is stretched between the brackets. The wires apply the pressure necessary to shift your teeth into new positions to straighten your smile. Small elastic bands hold the archwires in place. Although very effective, traditional braces are losing the popularity contest lately.

Clear braces, or ceramic braces, function the same as traditional braces. Ceramic brackets are affixed to your teeth, with archwires to do the heavy shifting. The difference is that the clear brackets are less noticeable. When used with white archwires, they blend very well within your mouth. Ceramic braces are popular with adults who can’t get or don’t want Invisalign. Clear braces are also a hot commodity on the teen scene. The addition of multi-colored elastic bands can make a statement, show school spirit, or make your smile colorful.

Lingual braces use brackets and wires, but they are installed on the backs of your teeth. This hides your braces, so very few people will ever notice you have them.

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the most popular type of corrective appliances. Patients wear the almost invisible alignment trays for 20 to 22 hours per day. Most people you meet won’t even realize you are wearing braces. When you eat and drink, you remove the tray aligners. After brushing and flossing, simply clean and reinsert the trays. Unlike traditional braces, there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign.