Types of Braces
There are several types of braces (also called appliances) that can be used to give you a straight beautiful smile. Learn more about the different types of braces:
Metal braces:
These braces are stainless steel. They are the most popular braces for children and teenagers. Different colored ligature ties give each patient a custom look. We can change the colors at each appointment. One reason these braces are so popular is that they are smaller and more comfortable than ever before. 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 personalized look.
Translucent, clear braces:
These are the braces. Their big advantage is that they are barely noticeable. They are made out of monocrystalline, clear ceramic. Because they are ceramic, though, they may break more easily than steel braces. Translucent braces are used only on the front teeth. They accompany steel braces on back teeth and most lower teeth for added strength.
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. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.
Lingual braces:
These are the ultimate custom treatment for patients whose lifestyle or job dictate braces that do not show. Lingual braces are placed on the inside, rather than the outside, of your teeth. These “invisible” custom braces work like traditional braces. An additional fee is charged due to the added cost of the braces. (There are advanced cadcam and stereolithography to make the custom braces and robiotics to pre-bend the orthodontic wires that fit into the braces).
Clear appliances (such as Invisalign®) use a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. And, no one can tell you are wearing those aligners because they are invisible! Not only are the aligners invisible, but they are also removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
