Types of Braces

Introduction

Thanks to today’s advances in orthodontic technology,  Wellington Village Orthodontics can provide our patients with more options when it comes to wearing braces than ever before.

While traditional metal braces are still widely used, other options such as clear braces or Incognito hidden braces are becoming increasingly popular.  Also, Invisalign removable aligners can be used for mild cases of misaligned teeth.

Please see below or ask us to learn more about the types of braces we offer at our office.

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are smaller and more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Self-Ligating Metal Braces

Self-Ligating metal braces use a clip rather than an elastic band to attach the arch wires to the brackets.  The advantage to the self-ligating braces is that adjustments appointments are slightly faster.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have aesthetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger than metal braces. The only drawback to ceramic brackets is that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits with certain foods and smoking.

Invisible Braces (Invisalign)

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, use a series of clear, removable and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth.  No one can tell you are wearing these aligners because they are invisible.  Since the aligners are removable, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment.  Also, brushing and flossing is much simpler!

Invisible Braces (Hidden braces behind the teeth)

Incognito hidden (lingual) braces are an option for patients who do not want their braces to be visible and who are not candidates for treatment using Invisalign.  The customized braces are bonded on the inside or lingual side of your teeth and are therefore completely hidden from view.  No one will know that you are wearing  braces unless you tell them!  Incognito braces are created using state-of-the-art technology and are 100% customized to the shape of your teeth and to your dental situation. Dr. Picard creates a unique prescription built-in to ensure you get the results that you want.  With Incognito hidden braces you get efficient, effective tooth movement and great aesthetics.