Metal Braces
Silver metal braces are the most common type of brace and are made of high-grade stainless steel. Today's metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive. These brackets are designed to accept colored elastic ties. These ties bind the wire tightly to the brace to allow for detailed positioning of the teeth, and provide the distinctive colors found on many young patients’ braces.
Self-ligating Brackets
Self-ligating brackets are silver metal brackets that utilize “sliding-door” technology to attach the wire to the brace. Since no elastic ties are used, the wire is free to move back and forth within the brace. With this type of bracket, the wire is bound loosely in an effort to reduce friction and pressure on the tooth.
Ceramic “Clear” Braces
Ceramic braces are similar in design to metal braces, but are made of translucent (clear) material to blend in with the color of the teeth. They are most popular with adult patients due to their cosmetic appeal. These brackets are typically very fragile, however, and are more susceptible to breakage during brace removal or if placed on the lower teeth.
Gold Braces
Gold braces are stainless steel braces coated with a thin layer of 24-karat gold to give them their distinctive appearance. These brackets are popular with patients of all ages.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligner systems are a series of clear overlay templates—called aligners—that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. This system is available to adult patients with minor orthodontic bite problems. Ask us if you are a candidate for aligner treatment.