Types of Braces: Silver and Gold

Over the next several weeks, we’ll be discussing the different types of braces you can choose to get your spectacular smile. This week, it’s all about silver and gold.

While there are many new types of orthodontic treatment, classic silver braces are used by orthodontists in the majority of their cases. Braces and orthodontic treatment can be dated all the way back to the 18^th century, but metal braces that we think of today were only really developed around the 1970s.

Silver Braces

Silver braces are made of stainless steel now because of how strong the metal is. The orthodontist attaches each bracket to the teeth using a safe adhesive, and secures an arched wire into a slot in each bracket with a small elastic tie to move the teeth slowly over time.

Don’t worry about uncomfortable large brackets. Today, metal braces are smaller than ever. Some can even work faster than they used to, depending on the severity of your orthodontic issues. Another new development in braces: personalization. You can add different colored bands around the brackets to add your style and show off your favorite colors. These bands aren’t just an aesthetic choice though. The elastic rubber bands hold the wire in place on the bracket, making sure it is secure.

Gold Braces

If you want to really stand out with style, gold braces might be the choice for you. Made from high-grade stainless steel and plated in gold, these braces can add a bit of sophistication to your orthodontic treatment. The gold color of the brackets is slightly darker than the silver, so it blends in better with your teeth and is not necessarily as noticeable as silver brackets.

There is no real difference between silver and gold braces other than the color. It’s up to you to decide what aesthetic option appeals to you the most and what color you’d rather be showing off. You can still add different colored bands to the brackets to hold the wire in place for more personalization.

Why Silver or Gold?

You might think both of these are uninteresting or archaic compared to newer types of braces like Invisalign or ceramic braces, but these stainless-steel brackets are still around for a reason: reliability. The brackets and wires are sturdy enough to withstand the pressure that comes with moving teeth over a long period of time.

Silver braces are also the least expensive option for orthodontic treatment. That’s reason alone for them to be many people’s top choice to straighten their teeth.

Call us today at (843) 4-BRACES and schedule a free initial exam to learn more about the different options for braces and which would be the best choice for you.