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 custom archwires.
With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.
Clear (Ceramic) Braces
Ceramic braces are made of 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.
While they're visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene. 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, also because the lower teeth are usually less visible.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners like Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen® are a series of invisible, removable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces.
Not only are the aligners invisible, but they're also removable. This means you can eat and drink with fewer restrictions while you are in treatment, plus they make brushing and flossing less of a hassle
The aligners are comfortable and discomfort can be easily fixed by filing the edges to avoid abrasions. They help align with attachments that are tooth-colored filling material that is placed on the areas that require movement.
Braces FAQ's
What is a good age to get braces?
The ideal time to get braces varies based on a patient’s growth and development, it is best to seek an orthodontist for screening so that they can determine the ideal time to begin treatment. A majority of patients start treatment between the ages of 10 and 14.
What is the purpose of braces?
Braces can straighten the teeth and align the bite properly. This improves dental health but can also be for cosmetic purposes.
Which type of braces are the best?
Each type of braces has its own advantages and disadvantages, your orthodontist can advise you which will work best with your bite. Metal braces are the most common, as they are effective and have been around the longest.