Types of Braces

With today's technology, patients now have more options when it comes to wearing braces. While traditional metal braces are still widely used, clear braces, lingual braces and self-ligating braces are becoming increasingly popular along with clear appliances.

Please use the menu to learn more about the types of braces we offer, and speak with your orthodontist to determine which appliance is right for you.

Ceramic braces move teeth just as efficiently as metal braces, except the brackets are clear, so they are less noticeable. They are most popular with adult patients due to their cosmetic appeal. The only drawbacks to ceramic braces are that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.

Invented by Dr. Dwight Damon, Damon brackets utilize "sliding-door" technology known as self-ligation that allows the wire to slide back-and-forth within the bracket. No elastic or steel ties are used with Damon brackets. This technology creates less friction and results in greater patient comfort. Additionally, Damon braces often reduce both treatment time and the number of adjustments performed.

The Invisalign system is a series of clear overlay templates, or aligners, that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move teeth. This system is available to patients with certain orthodontic bite problems.

Invisalign Teen is the clear way to straighten teeth without metal braces, using aligners. Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. With a Blue Dot Wear Indicator to show how long each aligner has been worn, six free replacement aligners (in case some are lost or broken), and other changes designed to accommodate growing mouths, Invisalign Teen is the perfect option for today's teens!

The most common type, metal braces are made of high-grade stainless steel. The brackets, which are bonded to the front of each tooth, are connected by the archwire, which helps guide the teeth into the correct positions. Today's metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive.

Self-ligating braces offer several benefits to patients. The self-ligation technique uses lighter wires and lower-friction brackets to move teeth, which results in faster treatment times due to the sliding mechanism. In addition to greater comfort, self-ligating braces make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene because they are easier to keep clean. This contributes to greater health, happiness and physical attractiveness for the duration of treatment.