Types Of Braces

Curious about Which Type of Braces are Best for You? Call Advanced Orthodontics to Schedule a Complimentary Consultation!

Thanks to today’s technology and innovation in orthodontics, patients now have many options when it comes to treatment. While traditional metal braces are still widely used, clear braces are becoming increasingly popular, as well as invisible removable aligners (Invisalign®) that can be worn by patients self-conscious about treatment.

Self-Ligating Braces

One option that you may not be familiar with is self-ligating braces. Self-ligating brackets are relatively new to orthodontics. These high-technology brackets have replaced the prior style of brackets that have colored rubber ties with an “sliding gate” which is more hygienic and less visible. These braces don’t need rubber bands, and continue tooth movement outside of appointments all by themselves! Depending on what is being treated, self-ligation can also be more comfortable for patients.

Self-ligating brackets such as Innovation, Damon, Empower, Smart Clip, as well as many others allow the orthodontist to specifically plan the average position each tooth will occupy in the future. Once the teeth are aligned, the orthodontist hand-bends the final wires to the patient’s personal best bite position to get the optimal prescribed final tooth position.

At Advanced Orthodontics, our orthodontists take technology beyond the brackets. While using self-ligating brackets, we replace hand-bent wires with robotically bent ones that are many times more accurate than a human could bend. The doctor uses expert training and experience to set the best bite position, and a robot crafts a series of personalized wires. Just like in the rest of medicine has evolved into microscopic surgeries, and robotic treatment assistants, the orthodontic field has evolved as well. Read more at Suresmile.

 

Clear Ceramic Braces

Clear braces are the most popular type of braces today for teens and adults. These braces are made of ceramic and other clear materials and are less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have aesthetic concerns. Even though they tend to be more aesthetically pleasing, ceramic braces require more attention to oral hygiene as they are larger than metal braces. Another benefit of our ceramic braces is that they don’t discolor like most do with certain foods and smoking. SureSmile digital diagnosis can also be used with these braces.

Wild Smile Braces

Wild Smile Braces are probably our most fun braces option (at least we think so!). Our younger patients in Interceptive Phase I treatment love this alternative to express themselves with unique shapes and colors for their braces. Colored ties are included and can be changed at every adjustment for maximum cool factor. Added bonus, we use SureSmile digital diagnosis with these braces as well!

Invisalign

Clear appliances (such as Invisalign®) use a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. And, no one can tell because they’re invisible! Because aligners are also removable, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a challenge. Basically every problem you’ve heard about with braces, Invisalign solves!

Lingual “Invisible” Braces

Braces that are attached to the back of your teeth are called lingual braces. They are truly the only type of appliance that you cannot see at all. Lingual braces are extremely effective when used in combination with SureSmile digital diagnosis. and the best part is, no one will know you are wearing them!