Types of Braces

Braces are made of various materials, metal being the most common; however, all metal braces are not the same. One of the optional braces available in Dr. Rose's office, though made of metal, is more advanced than a basic metal brace. Just because two types of braces are both constructed of metal does not mean they offer the same in comfort or speed of treatment. Dr. Rose will discuss optional bracket designs and their efficiency in orthodontic treatment.

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. 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 as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts.

Invisible (Clear) Orthodontic Appliances

Invisalign®

Invisalign® uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. And, no one can tell you are wearing Invisalign because it's invisible! 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. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. Please visit our Invisalign page to learn more about.

Stainless Steel Braces

High Tech Metal Braces

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

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. 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 as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are made from the same materials as traditional braces; however, self-ligating braces do not use elastic ligating ties. There are two types of self ligating brackets, active, and passive. In some orthodontic patients, the passive self ligating system can accomplish the orthodontic treatment result with fewer appointments when compared to an active ligating system. The passive self ligating bracket system is designed to move the teeth with less friction between the arch wire and the bracket. The passive self ligating bracket system, in some situations, can treat the patient in less calendar time when compared to an active self ligating system. The passive self ligating brackets are close to the same size as metal braces. The Empower passive self ligating bracket system by American Orthodontics is the system used by Dr. Larry Rose and Dr. Mohni Malik.

How do Self-Ligating Braces Work?

Self-ligating braces use a specialized clip in place of elastic ties to help the arch wire guide teeth into place. The clip helps reduce the amount of pressure placed on the tooth, and may require fewer adjustment visits.

There are two types of self-ligating brackets

• Passive — Passive self ligating brackets have a clip system that does not contact the arch wire. The clip system is similar to a door that keeps the arch wire in the bracket.  Since there is no contact between the door clip and the arch wire, there is greatly reduced friction between the bracket and the arch wire. In most instances, the teeth can move in a more natural state when the passive self ligating system is used.
• Active — Active self ligating brackets use a door mechanism that contacts the arch wire and actively holds it in position. The friction between the bracket and arch wire is similar to that of a bracket system that uses elastic ties to secure the arch wire to the bracket. The elastic ties that hold the arch wire to the bracket are available in many colors.  Dr. Rose and Dr. Malik can discuss the appliances available and will advise as to which orthodontic appliance would be appropriate. Call (281) 493-2370 and schedule an appointment to learn more about the orthodontic appliances available at Houston Area Orthodontics, the office of Dr. Larry Rose and Dr. Mohni Malik.