Types of Braces
Traditional, Ceramic, Invisible, and Lingual Braces
Traditional and Ceramic Braces
Ceramic and metal braces require special brackets to be fastened to the teeth. A thin metal wire is connected to each bracket, which is tightened as necessary to push teeth into the proper positions.
Both the brackets and wires on metal braces are constructed from high-quality stainless steel. Patients can customize their braces through the use of tiny elastic bands that come in a variety of colors.
Whether patients want to show off their school pride or have a glow-in-the-dark smile, there’s no limit to their creative options.
Ceramic braces are often chosen by patients looking for an option that causes less disruption to their appearance. Instead of metal, these braces utilize a transparent material for the brackets that is much less noticeable.
Unfortunately, the brackets used for ceramic braces are a bit bigger than metal ones, and they tend to break more easily. For this reason, ceramic braces are typically limited to adult patients, and they’re only installed on the top front teeth.
Invisible Braces
Invisible braces are a popular choice for both adults and adolescents seeking straighter teeth. Invisalign offers patients highly effective correction while being virtually unnoticeable. This enables patients with orthodontic problems to correct them without drawing unwanted attention.
Invisalign treatment is performed in steps using a graduating series of transparent plastic aligners, which are custom-made to suit the unique orthodontic needs of each patient.
These aligners offer a high degree of comfort, and they can even be taken out during meals or for routine oral hygiene.
Invisalign offers many advantages:
- Achieves straighter teeth without irritating the tissues in the mouth
- Is nearly invisible when being worn
- Can be removed to allow for brushing, flossing, and rinsing
- Can be taken out at meals and requires no dietary changes
- Allows for fewer trips to the orthodontist throughout your treatment
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are more hidden than other options, allowing for orthodontic correction with minimal changes in appearance. At The Schulhof Center at KinderSmiles, we provide Incognito® braces, which offer effective correction with little or no discomfort or speech disturbance.
Incognito is made specifically for each patient in accordance with the treatment plan created by the orthodontist. These special braces are securely fastened to the back, or lingual side, of each tooth, and they won’t become lost or damaged when you eat, drink or talk.
Another benefit of Incognito braces is that they don’t stick out far from the teeth, which prevents irritation to the tissues inside the mouth. Dr. Schulhof has received special training and certification in installing Incognito braces. Adults and adolescents can both benefit from this treatment option due to its comfort and convenience.
Lingual braces are particularly suitable for children and adolescents who play wind instruments or participate in sports because they’re less likely to cause injury or interfere with the ability to perform those activities. Incognito braces possess all of the functionality and efficacy of metal braces while maintaining invisibility similar to Invisalign. This helps our patients to achieve excellent results while never giving away the fact that they’re wearing braces.
To discuss your best orthodontic treatment plan and the type of braces to suit your orthodontic problem, schedule an appointment with Dr. Schulhof today.