Fixed Appliances
The very first Fixed Appliances were large and time consuming to fit. As a result they were not very popular, especially among adults. However, technical advances have resulted in modern day appliances being both more inconspicuous and more efficient.
The most common Fixed Appliance comprises small stainless steel brackets, glued to the teeth, sliding on a metal wire that deliver the forces to produce precise tooth movements. Even though these brackets and the metal wire are small, their silver colour makes them quite visible. Most young patients do not mind this and may even regard as a fashion accessory, but in general adults would rather wear a less conspicuous appliance.
To address this requirement, ceramic brackets were developed. They are functionally the same as their metal counterparts, but are tooth coloured and therefore almost invisible except from very close up. These days even the steel wire that they slide on is sometimes coated with a white material making it almost invisible. Overall, ceramic brackets are attractive, reasonably priced and quite unobtrusive.
_
