brackets

English translation: comment

10:27 Jun 23, 2007
English language (monolingual) [PRO]
Medical - Medical: Dentistry / orthodontics
English term or phrase: brackets
I'm referring to US English braces. My question is actually a quick poll: if an American reader saw the term "brackets" in a dental services brochure, would he immediately associate this with braces?

Keyword here is "immediately". I presume there's no time in the average reading situation to consult a thesaurus.
Parrot
Spain
Local time: 21:23
Selected answer:comment
Explanation:
Are you sure that 'brackets' is used as a synonym for 'braces' in (any) native-English countries?

see e.g. the following text:

Orthodontics typically involves the use of braces for aligning teeth. Braces consist of brackets that are bonded to the teeth, and arch wires that are threaded through the brackets. The arch wires act as a track, and guide each tooth to its proper position. There are several types of orthodontic braces available to consumers, including the more traditional metal braces, ceramic "tooth colored" braces, as well as clear plastic braces. Read the sections below to learn more about orthodontic braces, retainers, and orthodontics cost and financing alternatives.
Types of Orthodontic Braces and Brackets

Several kinds of orthodontic braces can be used to reposition teeth. Damon brackets and ceramic brackets are two of the most popular types of dental braces. Patients can choose from ceramic braces, plastic ( clear braces), or stainless steel ( metal braces). Stainless steel is a practical material, and the most common, but ceramic or plastic can be used for cosmetic purposes.

Before you decide on a method of treatment, you should always check with your orthodontist to find out what kinds of orthodontic braces are offered, and what dental insurance plans are accepted.
Damon Brackets

One modern advancement in the practice of orthodontics is the Damon bracket. It was invented by a dentist named Damon Dwight. The Damon bracket uses a "sliding-door" technology called "self-ligation." It allows the wire to slide back and forth inside the bracket. This innovation causes less friction and is more comfortable for the patient. Also, Damon brackets reduce the orthodontic treatment time and number of adjustments.
Ceramic "Tooth Colored" Brackets

Ceramic braces utilize less noticeable brackets for patients concerned about the appearance of their smile. Ceramic brackets are translucent, so they blend in with your natural tooth color. This means that unlike traditional stainless metal braces, ceramic braces won’t make your smile look "metallic." In addition, ceramic braces are designed so that they won’t stain or discolor over long periods of time. An orthodontist can let you know if you are a candidate for ceramic braces.
Clear Braces

Some dental offices offer clear braces. The brackets are made of pure monocrystalline sapphire, which makes the clear braces practically see-through - except for the arch wire. The closest thing to invisible braces currently available is the invisalign ® system. The patented Invisalign ® trays straighten teeth effectively, yet are virtually unnoticeable.

http://www.docshop.com/education/dental/orthodontics/braces/
Selected response from:

Ken Cox
Local time: 21:23
Grading comment
Thanks everybody. Although the text uses braces now, I'm allocating the points to the considerations this brings up.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED
3 +3comment
Ken Cox
5braces
Michael Barnett
4braces
Buck


Discussion entries: 2





  

Answers


39 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
braces


Explanation:
Everyone (American readers, that is) will immediately know what is meant my braces in this context, but I think brackets would seem strange to them.

Buck
Netherlands
Local time: 21:23
Does not meet criteria
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 4
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

3 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5
braces


Explanation:
I am sure that given the context, a North American reader could figure out what was meant by "brackets", but it would be a guess.
The term is not used here except in reference to building hardware.

Michael Barnett
Local time: 15:23
Meets criteria
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

5 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +3
comment


Explanation:
Are you sure that 'brackets' is used as a synonym for 'braces' in (any) native-English countries?

see e.g. the following text:

Orthodontics typically involves the use of braces for aligning teeth. Braces consist of brackets that are bonded to the teeth, and arch wires that are threaded through the brackets. The arch wires act as a track, and guide each tooth to its proper position. There are several types of orthodontic braces available to consumers, including the more traditional metal braces, ceramic "tooth colored" braces, as well as clear plastic braces. Read the sections below to learn more about orthodontic braces, retainers, and orthodontics cost and financing alternatives.
Types of Orthodontic Braces and Brackets

Several kinds of orthodontic braces can be used to reposition teeth. Damon brackets and ceramic brackets are two of the most popular types of dental braces. Patients can choose from ceramic braces, plastic ( clear braces), or stainless steel ( metal braces). Stainless steel is a practical material, and the most common, but ceramic or plastic can be used for cosmetic purposes.

Before you decide on a method of treatment, you should always check with your orthodontist to find out what kinds of orthodontic braces are offered, and what dental insurance plans are accepted.
Damon Brackets

One modern advancement in the practice of orthodontics is the Damon bracket. It was invented by a dentist named Damon Dwight. The Damon bracket uses a "sliding-door" technology called "self-ligation." It allows the wire to slide back and forth inside the bracket. This innovation causes less friction and is more comfortable for the patient. Also, Damon brackets reduce the orthodontic treatment time and number of adjustments.
Ceramic "Tooth Colored" Brackets

Ceramic braces utilize less noticeable brackets for patients concerned about the appearance of their smile. Ceramic brackets are translucent, so they blend in with your natural tooth color. This means that unlike traditional stainless metal braces, ceramic braces won’t make your smile look "metallic." In addition, ceramic braces are designed so that they won’t stain or discolor over long periods of time. An orthodontist can let you know if you are a candidate for ceramic braces.
Clear Braces

Some dental offices offer clear braces. The brackets are made of pure monocrystalline sapphire, which makes the clear braces practically see-through - except for the arch wire. The closest thing to invisible braces currently available is the invisalign ® system. The patented Invisalign ® trays straighten teeth effectively, yet are virtually unnoticeable.

http://www.docshop.com/education/dental/orthodontics/braces/

Ken Cox
Local time: 21:23
Meets criteria
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
Thanks everybody. Although the text uses braces now, I'm allocating the points to the considerations this brings up.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Jack Doughty: Just "braces" in UK too. (Although braces are also what in the USA are called suspenders, and suspenders are what in the USA are called garters...)
6 hrs

agree  ARTES
1 day 9 mins

agree  Caroline Moreno: yes and they even come in fun colors. How I hated braces!
1 day 21 hrs
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