Types of Braces
Metal Braces
Traditional Metal 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.
Gold Braces
Gold braces are similar to traditional metal braces in many ways. They are made of stainless steel but are uniquely coated in gold. The gold coating may be considered a more cosmetic option than traditional metal braces. And, the cost of gold braces is surprisingly comparable to most clear braces.
Ceramic/Clear Braces
Why clear braces? Many of us go through life disliking our smile or dreading having to smile in public just because of crooked teeth. The problem is, a large number of children refuse to wear braces just because they do not want to be called a "tin grin." Well, help is at hand for all of us. Braces that are clear, made possible by advanced computing and precision manufacturing, now offer a solution.
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.
For more information, please check out our page on clear braces.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth and are therefore "invisible" when you smile. Lingual braces are 100% customized to match the shape of your teeth and therefore the metal appliances are created uniquely for you. Lingual braces are a very reasonable option for athletes, models, actors/actresses, musicians who play wind instruments, and adult professionals. While lingual braces are visually less prominent, there are issues of interference with the rear teeth and the tongue. People often tend to talk with a lisp for a few weeks after using them. Fitting these is more of a specialized job, hence they cost more.
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 like a series of clear mouth guards which are made in a laboratory. The computer technology behind this is very precise, and the results can be amazing. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. The only drawback with Invisalign is that, because there are no brackets cemented on the teeth, or bands around teeth, the ability to correct severe orthodontic problems is limited. Please visit our Invisalign page to learn more about what Invisalign can do for you.
Mix and Match
You can wear most of these braces in a combination. Whichever method you use, in a year or two, depending on the correction required, you will have a sparkling smile that gladdens everyone around you. If two years seems too long, just remind yourself that if Tom Cruise could do it, so can you. Look at what it's done for his career!