At Ripley Orthodontics, we use many types of braces because no two smiles are the same. There’s no such thing as one brace fits all in our practice. At your first appointment, our team will assess your teeth to determine the appliance that’s right for your teeth and jaws.
Fixed braces are the most common type of orthodontic appliance. They can be used when a number of teeth need to be corrected, or when the treatment needs to be precise to prevent problems in the future.
You will be able to eat normally while wearing a fixed appliance. However, you should avoid certain foods and drinks, such as toffee, hard sweets and fizzy drinks, because they can damage the appliance and teeth. Your orthodontist will be able to give you further advice.
If you are using a fixed appliance and you play a contact sport such as rugby, you should wear a gum shield to protect both your mouth and the appliance.
Fixed braces are usually made out of metal, so they will be noticeable on the front of your teeth. We can offer ceramic or clear plastic braces that are much less noticeable, although they are only available privately.
Clear braces, or ceramic braces, are very similar to traditional metal braces in that they consist of brackets and wires. The difference is the brackets are made from tooth-coloured ceramic rather than metal. This makes them much less noticeable.
While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene, as ceramic braces are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more often on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.
Clear braces are a great alternative to traditional metal braces and we will help you determine if they are the right treatment for you.
Incognito braces are an advanced generation of brace that is hidden discreetly on the back of the teeth, not on the front like conventional ‘train tracks’.
This allows people to go about their daily routine without feeling self-conscious because their braces are virtually invisible from the outside. Incognito braces are suitable for all age groups – children, adolescents and adults who want to correct their tooth position. The brace is custom-made for each patient to maximise comfort and ensure precise results. This is achieved by using the latest computer technology when creating the brace.
Invisalign is a great option for many cases – from simple straightening to bigger fixes. With Invisalign technology continually innovating to achieve the best results for its patients, it’s no surprise that it has continued to gain momentum.
Invisalign or invisible braces are aligners, made of clear, medical grade plastic which are virtually invisible. These aligners, which look like thin sports mouthguards, are custom made to fit over your teeth and to move them into position. They make keeping your teeth clean throughout treatment easy because you can remove them when eating, brushing or flossing. Find out more about these aligners on our Invisalign page.
Functional appliances can be used to treat problems with the position of the upper jaw and teeth and the lower jaw and teeth.
Most people will need to wear them all of the time. It is very important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions about how and when to wear the appliance.
After you have completed your treatment, don’t forget to protect your new smile with retainers.
Retainers will retain your teeth in their new position so you can enjoy a longlasting smile.
