Braces
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common type of braces for orthodontic patients. Today's metal braces are much smaller, flatter, and more comfortable than in the past. They are also easier to clean. We typically recommend metal braces to our younger patients (although they work just as well for adults!) to help them achieve straight, beautiful smiles. Metal braces consist of a stainless steel bracket that is bonded to your tooth, an arch wire which puts light pressure on your teeth, and colored ligature rubber bands that fasten the arch wire to your brackets. We see you every four to six weeks, and you can have your colors changed at each appointment. Traditional metal braces are the most popular type of treatment in our office as they work quickly, and are very cost effective.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are the same as traditional metal braces except that they are clear! Ceramic braces are a less noticeable alternative to traditional metal braces and provide patients with an equally effective treatment. We often see adults choose ceramic braces as a more esthetic option to metal braces but without the compliance requirements of aligner treatment.
Surgical Orthodontics
Traditional orthodontics is designed to reposition and straighten teeth, but in some cases, surgical orthodontics is necessary to correct more severe jaw irregularities where the lower jaw does not match up to the upper jaw. Surgical orthodontics is used to straighten the jaw into alignment, often improving a patient’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe. A significant cosmetic change is often also seen. Braces are typically worn for 12 to 18 months, and an oral surgeon then surgically repositions your jaw to make them fit correctly. You are in the hospital for one to two days. After healing, your braces are usually finished after six to12 months of detailing.
