Braces & Elastics

Metal braces are the most common type. They are made of high grade steel. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive.

Attached to your braces, elastics (rubber bands) exert the proper force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth. In order for the force to remain constant, elastics must be worn as instructed otherwise treatment will take longer.

Lingual braces are attached to the inside of your teeth. Lingual braces are not usually offered by Dr Kenmuir but if you are interested they are available.

Clear braces are made of translucent (clear) material. They are most popular with adult patients, due to their cosmetic appeal. The drawback to ceramic brackets is that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolour between orthodontic visits.

Damon braces are considered to be the `new generation` braces. These self-ligating braces have a built in mechanism to hold the wire in place. While self-ligating brackets are used by many orthodontists for a variety of reasons, research has shown them to work no better or worse than traditional braces.