Types of Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are made from the same materials as traditional braces. However, self-ligating braces do not require the use of ties, meaning fewer appointments and less friction being placed on the tooth. Self-ligating braces come with traditional metal or clear brackets. They are the same size as metal braces, but use a specialized clip in place of ties to help the archwire guide teeth into place. The clip helps reduce the amount of pressure being placed on the tooth, and requires fewer adjustments because there are no ties to replace.

 

Clear (Ceramic) Braces

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. 

 

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a series of clear, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. Not only are the aligners clear, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are more easily accomplished. The aligners are changed every 1-2 weeks throughout treatment to provide consistent tooth movements.