What types of braces are there?

Prefer braces that you hardly see? Then choose Invisalign. This is a brace that consists of thin plastic sleeves. You slide these over your teeth. This makes it almost invisible that you are wearing braces. Every other week you put in a new set of covers. This way, the braces do exactly what they're supposed to do while being barely visible. Invisalign braces have been used since 1998, with more than 3 million people now receiving them.

Usually, you'll get fixed braces. 'Clasps' in braces hold a wire that is supposed to move your teeth into the correct position. In our practice, we work with what are called "self-ligating" braces. This is a bracket in which the wire can move more easily. This is not only more comfortable, it also makes for shorter treatment. Such braces are slightly more expensive. But because you have fewer repeat appointments, you end up cheaper.

Braces work well only if they can be properly attached to the teeth. That possibility does not always exist. A good alternative is the BENEfit system: a mini-implant that can be inserted very easily. There is no need to visit a specialist for this; the orthodontist can also insert the system. The BENEfit system is used to correct the upper teeth if there is an overbite.

Do the upper and lower teeth not fit together properly? Then the activator is the solution. It is a bracket that is removable, made of synthetic resin. For a good effect, it is important to wear the braces long enough. Sometimes it is not necessary to wear it all day, but 16 hours is enough for a good effect. After fitting, you will feel the activator for a while, but you will get used to it soon enough.

The plate retainer is a plastic resin plate that sits against your palate. You wear the braces day and night to move your teeth into the correct position. Most plate braces have a raised surface for your incisors to bite on. At first, you'll notice that the braces are quite tight. That's the intention. You'll notice the treatment taking effect as the braces become looser and looser.

Do you need something done not only to your teeth, but also to your jaw? Then outer braces come into play. It is a metal bracket, which is attached to your molars. Via a neck strap, the brace runs behind your head. This is the way to transmit sufficient force to your jaw and thus to your teeth. Usually you wear the outer brace together with another brace. You also have to wear the brace at night. It takes some getting used to!

Are you still young, and the expectation is that you may have problems with your upper jaw as you get older? Then that's the time to get ahead of those problems. In fact, at a young age, there is still something you can do to the jaw, such as widening it. You wear these braces all day (and night), although you can take them off yourself. Just count on it taking some time before your jaw is the right width.

So, the teeth are where they should be. The only thing left to do is grow into that position. That's what the retainer is for. It's a wire behind your teeth or a resin plate. At first you wear it day and night, sometimes for up to two years. In the beginning, you feel the retainer quite tight. Later, when your teeth start to grow fixed, the retainer starts to feel looser and looser. Then wearing it only at night is sufficient.