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Types of Braces2026-06-10T12:51:11+00:00

Treatments

Types of 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.

Invisalign®

Invisalign® uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. 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.

Ceramic

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 more brittle than their metal counterparts.

For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligation is a system of braces that can potentially shorten treatment time, be more hygienic, and allow for decreased tenderness during treatment. It is made from stainless steel or ceramic for stability and is smaller in size for aesthetics (great for our adult patients.)

The rounded structure improves patient comfort while maintaining overall performance. Self-ligation uses lighter wires and lower friction brackets to move teeth, resulting in slightly faster treatment times due to its sliding mechanism designed to maximize tooth movement speed and efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are traditional metal braces made of?2026-06-10T07:03:29+00:00

Modern traditional metal braces are sleeker and more comfortable than ever before. They are constructed from high-grade stainless steel and use brackets and archwires to steadily align your teeth.

Can patients customize the look of their metal braces?2026-06-10T07:03:54+00:00

Yes! Patients have the fun option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) at their adjustment appointments to create a unique, colorful smile that matches their personal style.

What makes ceramic braces different from metal braces?2026-06-10T07:04:21+00:00

Ceramic braces are made from clear, translucent materials that blend right in with your teeth, making them a popular cosmetic choice for older teens and adults. However, they are larger and more brittle than metal, requiring extra attention to oral hygiene.

What are the advantages of using self-ligating braces?2026-06-10T07:04:45+00:00

Self-ligating systems feature lower-friction brackets and lighter wires that utilize a sliding mechanism to accelerate tooth movement. This can shorten treatment times, reduce tenderness, and make them much more hygienic to clean.

Do clear aligners like Invisalign cause mouth sores?2026-06-10T07:05:18+00:00

Unlike braces, Invisalign® clear aligners are completely removable and have no metal components, which eliminates the risk of brackets or wires causing uncomfortable mouth abrasions during your treatment.

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