In the past, individual bands, usually made of stainless steel, were wrapped around and cemented to each tooth. This created the tin grin look that some patients found unappealing. Today, the bonding of the brackets directly onto the patient's teeth is more commonly performed. This advancement is more aesthetic and much less noticeable than bands. Brackets are the tiny devices used to attach the main arch wire that moves the teeth.
Brackets are also available in gold and porcelain, which are clear or tooth colored.
Adults particularly like the porcelain brackets because they are less noticeable that the standard metal brackets. However, the disadvantages of the porcelain brackets are the breakage of the brackets and a longer treatment time associated with these brackets. Wire technology has also made huge advances in the last several years. These new wires are made from resilient metals which are more flexible and retain a preformed shape. Often with the use of these new wires, orthodontists can reduce the number of patient visits for adjustments and wire placements.