Types of Braces

State of the Art Services

Did you know that braces have been around for over 100 years? Well they have, in various forms, slowly being refined over time as we come to understand more and more about how teeth move and how we can move them more efficiently.

How Teeth Move

The latest technology in braces ("brackets and archwires") allow for gentle and comfortable tooth movement, and recent trends have seen braces get smaller, smoother, and less visible. Dr. McFarlane uses the latest in "mini" metal brackets and white "cosmetic" brackets for older children and adults.

Tooth movement occurs when force is applied to a tooth in a certain direction, causing changes in the bone and gums that surround the teeth. In particular, the bone ahead of the tooth movement "resorbs" (melts away) while new bone is laid down behind the tooth movement.

Brackets and Wires

Brackets give us "handles" on the teeth, and the wires provide the force to the brackets that move them. Recent advances in technology have allowed us to deliver a gentle, yet constant force to the teeth which means more efficient tooth movement and a lot less pain these days!

We also have a lot of fun with the various colours of elastics that attach the wires to the brackets. There are lots to choose from — even some that glow in the dark! All of these innovations are designed to make wearing modern braces a comfortable, positive, and rewarding experience!