Types of Braces
Why Braces? | Life with Braces | Types of Braces | Retainer Instructions
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type, 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.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, they 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 because ceramic braces are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, they tend to be used on upper front teeth more than lower teeth.
Invisible (clear) orthodontic appliances
Invisalign®
Invisalign® uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. And no one can tell you are wearing Invisalign because it’s invisible! Not only are the aligners invisible, they are 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.