Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common type. They are made of surgical grade stainless steel. Today's metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive than braces of the past.
Clarity Clear Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made of translucent (clear) material. They are most popular with adult patients due to their cosmetic appeal. The drawbacks to ceramic brackets are that they are slightly larger and more fragile than metal brackets. The elastic ties that hold the wire in place can also discolor between orthodontic visits, especially with certain drinks or foods with a lot of color such as coffee, tea, fruit punch, spaghetti sauce, etc.
Please visit the Clarity website to learn more about clear braces.
Gold Braces
Gold braces are stainless steel braces coated with 24 karat gold and are popular with patients of all ages.
Invisalign
The Invisalign and Clear Correct Systems are a series of clear, custom-fit overlay templates-called aligners—that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. You can still eat and drink what you want without the limitations imposed by regular braces. Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Many of our patients had never considered traditional braces, but are now happily and comfortably improving their smiles with Invisalign and Clear Correct.
Herbst Appliance
One of the most common problems we treat in orthodontics is the discrepancy that occurs when the upper teeth protrude beyond the lower. Ordinarily when people see someone with the upper teeth protruding, they 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. The Herbst appliance is an excellent way to correct "overbites" and helps this happen.
At first, your mouth will feel unusually full and speaking may initially be awkward. If you practice reading aloud, your ordinary speech will return more quickly, typically within a day or two. You may also notice more saliva than usual initially, but this will decrease as you become accustomed to the appliance.
There is a "break-in" period that usually lasts a few days since the Herbst appliance holds the lower jaw from moving backward. You will still be able to open and close or move your mouth sideways easily. For the first few days we recommend a softer diet and smaller bites until you get used to chewing your food with your lower jaw in this new position.
Damon® Brackets
Damon® braces were invented by Dr. Dwight Damon. The Damon® bracket utilizes (sliding-door) technology known as "self-ligation" that allows the wire to slide back and forth within the bracket.
No elastic or steel ties are used with Damon® brackets. This technology creates less friction and may result in greater comfort for the patient in the initial stages.
