Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common type. They are made of high-grade stainless steel. Today's metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made of translucent (clear) material. They are most popular with adult patients, due to their cosmetic appeal. The only drawback to ceramic brackets is that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are placed behind the upper and/or lower teeth, creating a more aesthetically pleasing effect. Because the brackets and archwire are actually placed at the back of your teeth, they are virtually undetectable, allowing you to retain your normal appearance for the duration of your treatment.
Your doctor took courses specializing in the placement of these braces. They are custom made for your maxillofacial structure. While some patients note problems with speech initially, such problems generally disappear within a few weeks and with practice.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces offer several benefits for patients. They use a self-ligation technique using lighter wires and lower friction brackets to move teeth, while resulting in faster treatment times due to its slide mechanism, strong, mechanical base bonding and solid walls structured to control tooth movement with speed and efficiency. In addition to greater comfort, self-ligating braces make it easier to maintain good hygiene because they are easier to keep clean. This contributes to greater health, happiness and physical attractiveness for the duration of patient treatment.
Straight-n-Clear Cosmetic Correctors
Manufactured by GAC, Straight ‘N’ Clear Cosmetic Correctors are clear aligners that are ideal for retention and minor tooth movement. Made of thermoplastic material, they are customized and durable, and are virtually invisible. With Cosmetic Correctors, orthodontists are better able to control the amount of tooth movement and tighten the aligners for a better fit.