Types of Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

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

Self-Ligating (Damon Smile®)

Damon Smile® self-ligating braces are made from the same materials as metal braces. However, the Damon Smile® System does not require the use of elastics, meaning fewer appointments and less friction being placed on the tooth. The brackets are 1/3 smaller in size than traditional metal brackets and use a specialized clip in place of elastics to help the archwire guide teeth to place. The clip helps reduce the amount of pressure being placed on the tooth, and requires fewer adjustments because there are no elastics to replace.

Clear (Ceramic) Braces

These are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than their metal counterparts. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene — the brackets are larger and are more brittle than metal. For these reasons, ceramic braces are typically used on the upper teeth only.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign®)

Invisalign® clear aligners are a great alternative to any kind of traditional braces. They consist of a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable trays that straighten your teeth. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. Invisalign® is our most aesthetic and comfortable option and has no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.