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.
Self-Ligating
The newest generation of brackets utilizes (sliding-door) technology known as "self-ligation" that allows the wire to slide back and forth within the bracket. They are available in metal and ceramic.
No elastic or steel ties are used with Self-Ligating brackets. This technology creates less friction and results in greater comfort for the patient. In addition, Self-Ligating braces often reduce both treatment time and the number of adjustments that are usually performed.
Ceramic (Clear) 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 are that they are more fragile, bulkier and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.
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. This system is available to adult patients with certain orthodontic bite problems. Ask us if you are a candidate for the Invisalign® system.
Herbst
One of the most common problems orthodontists treat is the discrepancy that occurs when the upper teeth protrude beyond the lower. Ordinarily, when we see a patient with the upper teeth protruding, we tend to think that the upper jaw and teeth are too far forward; but, more often than not, this condition is due to a small lower jaw that is further back than it should be. With these patients, we would like to encourage the lower jaw to catch up in growth, and braces like the Herbst appliance help this happen.