Types of Braces
- Metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Iconix
- Invisalign
Metal braces
Metal or traditional braces are the most common type of braces worldwide and have been around for over 100 years now. In the past, braces were very bulky and noticeable. Luckily, braces today are nothing like what they were 100 years ago. Advances in innovation and technology have made braces:
- Smaller
- Faster
- More Comfortable
- More Effective
Metal braces are most popular among children and adolescent patients. They work by applying the braces to the teeth and connecting them with a wire. The wire is tied to the braces using elastic ties, which come in an array of colors to choose from. To move the teeth, the orthodontist adjusts the wire at your appointments every 4-8 weeks. Unlike clear aligners like Invisalign which are removable, some parents and patients love metal braces because they do not need to remind their child to wear them. However, metal braces require care and attention, and good oral hygiene is a must throughout treatment.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are braces made of clear, tooth-colored material. They work in the same way as metal braces but are more discreet and less visible. Ceramic braces are most popular among patients who do not think Invisalign or lingual braces are right for them, but who still want to straighten their teeth in a discreet and affordable way. These patients tend to be esthetically-driven adolescents and adults. Compared to metal braces, ceramic braces are less noticeable and present an affordable alternative to metal braces. You should know, however, that these braces are also slightly larger than metal braces and can stain depending diet and brushing habits. They are not for everybody, but we believe they remain a valuable tool in our orthodontic tool-bag.
Self-ligating Brace
Self-ligating braces work similarly to metal and ceramic braces and are available in metal or clear/ceramic material. They too rely on braces and a wire to move the teeth. The difference between self-ligating braces compared to metal or ceramic braces is that self-ligating braces use doors or clips to hold the wire in place, rather than elastic rubber ties. We have found that self-ligating braces result in mildly shorter appointment times because of how easy they are to adjust. They are therefore a good choice for:
- Patients who are more sensitive to discomfort
- Patients who cannot sit still in the dental chair for very long
- Patients with developmental delays and orthodontic need.
Iconix Aesthetic Braces
Iconix stainless steel champagne colored brackets truly offer the best of both worlds - the durability of stainless steel and the aesthetics of "white" gold. A unique proprietary process ensures these brackets will stay champagne for the duration of treatment. When matched with gold wire and clear ligatures, Iconix offers a complete patient pleasing cosmetic system that requires literally no sacrifice on your part.
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 comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment