Types of Braces

Thanks to today’s technology, patients at Alliance Orthodontics have more options than ever when it comes to wearing braces.

While regular metal braces are still widely used by patients of all ages, clear braces are becoming increasingly popular, as are removable appliances that can be used for mild cases of misaligned teeth.

At Alliance Orthodontics, we offer treatment using the following types of braces:

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the most common type of braces, and have been used by many people over the years to correct all sorts of common problems and misalignments. They are made of high-grade stainless steel and combine brackets and wires to straighten and align teeth. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive than the braces used by orthodontists in the past.

Metal braces can be customized with colorful rubber elastic bands, allowing wearers to express themselves and feel unique.

These braces are durable and relatively easy to keep clean, although wearers must avoid certain foods, like chewy foods, sticky foods, particularly hard foods and more.

To learn more about metal braces as an orthodontic option for you, please schedule an appointment with Alliance Orthodontics today.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are made of translucent (clear) material, and are therefore less visible on your teeth than their metal counterparts. They are most popular with adult patients, due to their cosmetic appeal.

The drawbacks to ceramic brackets are that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits. Ceramic braces are also larger and slightly less durable than metal braces. They require more attention to oral hygiene and can be more difficult to keep clean.

Orthodontists tend to use ceramic braces on upper teeth more often than lower teeth, due to their lower durability.

To find out whether ceramic braces are the right choice for you, schedule an appointment with Alliance Orthodontics today.

Invisalign

The Invisalign System is a series of clear overlay templates—called aligners—that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. Because of the transparency of the aligners, no one can tell you’re wearing braces! This makes Invisalign a popular option among older teenagers, adults and other people who have cosmetic concerns about wearing braces.

In addition to being invisible, Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing patients to take them out while they eat and drink. Oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, is made easier as well.

This system is available to patients with certain orthodontic bite problems. Schedule an appointment with Alliance Orthodontics today to find out if you are a candidate for the Invisalign system.

If you would like to learn more about the kind of braces that are ideal for you, please contact our offices today to schedule your consultation appointment.

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