Types of Braces

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Metal or traditional braces are the most common type of braces world-wide 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.

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.

Self-ligating braces work similarly to metal and ceramic braces and are available in metal or clear/ceramic material.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 and hence more comfortable

Invisalign is great for patients who have mild to moderate dental problems like misaligned teeth, large overbite, no jaw alignment problems, and who have gaps in their front teeth.

The reason why Invisalign are so popular right now:

• Clear and transparent
• Removable
• Allow for easier brushing and flossing
• Faster than braces for some limited treatments
• Require less appointments in some cases
• Shorter appointments are sometimes possible