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Metal Braces
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most popular type of braces in the world today. They are smaller and more comfortable than ever before. Traditional braces straighten your teeth using high-grade stainless steel brackets and arch wires.
Traditional braces, unlike clear brackets, provide scribe lines to aid their placement and pads to protect the area around brackets from decay. You have the option of adding colored elastic ties to secure arch wires in brackets for a more unique and colorful smile.
Gold Braces
Gold braces are similar to traditional metal braces. They are made of stainless steel uniquely coated in gold. Some patients, especially blonds, consider gold a more cosmetic option than traditional metal braces. The cost of gold braces is surprisingly comparable to most clear braces.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made of clear or tooth-colored ceramic materials. They are 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.
Though less visible, they do require more attention to diet and oral hygiene. Ceramic brackets are harder and more brittle than their metal counterparts. The bite of upper front teeth against hard, brittle ceramic lower brackets can wear the biting edges of upper front teeth. Brittle lower brackets can fracture. For these reasons, ceramic brackets tend to be used only on upper front teeth.
Invisible (Clear) Orthodontic Appliances
Invisalign®
Invisalign® uses a series of near invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. Aligners are removable to eat, drink, and brush and floss the teeth. There are no diet restrictions, and brushing and flossing the teeth are less of a hassle. Aligners are very comfortable. There is no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. Emergency appointments are very rare. Please visit our Invisalign page to learn more about this alternative to braces.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are "invisible" when you smile. They are hidden behind your teeth. Lingual braces are created uniquely for you. They are customized to match the shapes of your teeth. Lingual braces are an option for athletes, models, actors/actresses, musicians who play wind instruments, and adult professionals. Disadvantages include cost. Invisalign offers a viable cosmetic alternative.