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.
Clarity
Clarity™ braces feature a comfortable design with a translucent appearance. Many patients enjoy the combination of ceramic and metal because it is simultaneously attractive and sturdy. In fact, these braces are so sturdy that many doctors will recommend them to their patients who play sports. Patients are allowed to engage in most everyday activities without fear of delaying or impeding their progress.
Also, because they have a semi-transparent color that will not stain, patients can proceed with necessary orthodontic treatment without having to feel self-conscious. In addition, Clarity braces’ smooth, rounded shape allows for greater patient comfort.
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.
Even though the Herbst appliance prevents the lower jaw from moving backward, opening and closing movement still occur easily, and patients do not have any problems learning to chew their food with their lower jaw in this new position.
As with all kinds of braces, patients with Herbst appliances need to be careful about what they eat. For instance, cold foods such as ice slushes, Popsicles and ice will freeze the cement and make the brace loosen. Sticky foods such as caramels, bubble gum and candy suckers will pull the brace away from the teeth. Hard foods like crisp vegetables and hard candies will bend and loosen the Herbst appliance, too. So stay away from these foods during your orthodontic treatment.
Your Herbst appliance will be checked and adjusted at your appointments.
Lingual Braces
Having braces doesn’t mean you have to have a “tin grin.” Our office also uses lingual braces, which attach to the lingual side (tongue side) of your teeth. These appliances are well-suited for adults, who may worry about the aesthetic nature of regular metal braces.
Lingual braces are also custom-fit for your teeth and treatment plan. While the fronts of your teeth are fairly consistent, the back side of each tooth has its own distinctive shape. Thus, each bracket must be manufactured for each individual patient.
You can receive the dramatic results of orthodontic treatment without anyone knowing, as the braces are virtually invisible. Ask us if lingual braces are right for you.
Cosmetic Correctors
Manufactured by GAC, Straight ‘N’ Clear Cosmetic Correctors are clear aligners that are ideal for retention and minor tooth movement. Made of thermoplastic material, they are customized and durable, and are virtually invisible. With Cosmetic Correctors, orthodontists are better able to control the amount of tooth movement and tighten the aligners for a better fit.