Ceramic & Metal Braces
Our practice offers InOvation® Self Ligating Metal Braces and 3M Unitek's Clarity Ceramic brackets as the appliances of choice for traditional "outside" braces. (Gold braces are also available.) These bracket systems combine the advantages of pre-adjusted systems with customized bracket positioning and thermally activated wires to produce unparalleled results. These advances result in shortened treatment time, increased patient comfort and beautiful smiles. In addition, the increased efficiency of these bracket systems results in a reduced number of appointments and superior results.
Metal Braces:
Metal
braces are still the most commonly used type of braces. Metal braces are made with stainless steel and have become smaller since they were introduced. They are also much
more comfortable and attractive than the old-fashion braces. The advantages of metal
brackets are very strong and can withstand most types of treatment. They are cemented
or “glued” to the front of the tooth and hold the wire that moves the teeth.
Metal ties or ligatures are used to attach the wire and you can make your braces
colorful each time you visit our office by choosing colored elastic ligatures that
come in a rainbow of colors. Metal bands, which wrap around the teeth, are most often
used on the back teeth. Metal is the most common type of braces and is also the least
expensive. Gold is more expensive, but is another form of metal which is available.
Ceramic Braces:
Ceramic
braces are tooth colored brackets that are also attached to the outside of your teeth.
They are translucent to help them blend in with the color of your tooth. They work the
same as traditional braces, but ceramic braces are less visible and the extra expense
is minimal. The wire is attached to the braces with tiny tooth colored elastics to hold
it in position and move your tooth. You can choose ceramic to minimize the “braces” look.
