Types of Braces

Traditional metal bracesmetal 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 elastics, meaning fewer

appointments and less friction being placed on the teeth. Self-ligating braces

come with traditional metal, ceramic, or clear brackets. They are the same size

as metal braces, but use a specialized clip in place of elastics to help the arch

wire 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 elastics 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.

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.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that

straighten your teeth like braces. 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.