Materials Used To Make Orthodontic Braces

Dentist Blog

If you had to wear orthodontic braces as a teen, chances are you have uncomfortable memories of going to the orthodontist and then worrying about how you'd look with a mouth full of metal and elastic. Luckily, when it comes time to consider getting braces for your teens today, there are a wide variety of traditional and high-tech materials available for modern orthodontics.

Stainless Steel

The typical braces that you see on the average orthodontic patient consist of brackets and wires. The metal brackets are usually made of stainless steel. Orthodontists use stainless steel because of the strength of the material, which is less likely to pit, and because it doesn't corrode when it comes into contact with your saliva or oxygen. Also, stainless steel is fairly inexpensive in comparison to other non-corrosive metals. That's why it's such a popular and seemingly ubiquitous option for orthodontic braces, even though it's the more noticeable one.

Gold

Another option for your brackets is one you might not have realized is even available: gold. Like stainless steel, gold won't corrode when it comes into contact with your saliva, and that makes it a good material for orthodontics. In fact, not only is gold non-corrosive it's the most non-reactive of all metals. Because it doesn't react when it comes into contact with oxygen, like a lot of other metals, it won't develop any rust. It's what makes it such a great metal for medical use. However, because it is gold, it's going to be more expensive than some other options like stainless steel.

Ceramic

Ceramic is a versatile bracket material option for those who'd like less conspicuous braces. Ceramic brackets are the same size and shape as traditional stainless steel brackets. However, because ceramic brackets are tooth-colored, they will blend in with your teeth instead of standing out like metal. But there are a couple of cons to ceramic brackets. They are more expensive than stainless steel, and they can stain.

Polypropylene Plastic

Another popular option for less conspicuous braces is BPA-free polypropylene plastic, which is the material used to make clear plastic aligners. Many orthodontic patients prefer this option because it's the least noticeable way to correct problems. These plastic aligners also have other benefits. They are completely removable, so it's much easier to clean your teeth, and therefore there are no restrictions on what you can eat or drink. However, this is often the most expensive option in orthodontic braces and treatment may take longer.

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19 November 2018

Emergency Dental Care

The average dentist takes many client appointments each day and also deals with emergency situations on a regular basis. Dental emergencies are very common because people are likely to put off having tooth pain fixed until the pain becomes unbearable. Some people have anxiety about dental visits, and others are trying to avoid the expense of dental care. In either case, the end result is often a dental emergency. I have worked as a professional dental hygienist for many years and have seen all types of dental emergencies. I hope that this blog will help people identify potential emergencies before they become too serious and will allow people to know when to get help.