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.

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.

Stainless Steel Braces

High Tech Self-Ligating Braces

Sophisticated, high tech self-ligating braces are more comfortable when compared to standard orthodontic braces, and patients have the option of adding colored elastics for a more unique and colorful smile.

There are two types of self ligating brackets, Interactive, and passive. In many orthodontic patients, self ligating systems can accomplish the orthodontic treatment result with fewer appointments when compared to a non-self ligating system. The self ligating bracket systems are designed to move the teeth with less friction between the arch wire and the bracket. The Empower 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 made as part of the orthodontic bracket to help the arch wire guide teeth into place. The self-ligating bracket system that Dr. Rose and Dr. Malik use, applies less force to the teeth than a non-self ligating bracket. In some instances this means greater patient comfort, and possibly faster tooth movement!

There are two types of self-ligating brackets

• Passive - Passive self ligating brackets have a clip system similar to a door that keeps the arch wire in the bracket; however the clip does not contact the arch wire. Since there is no contact between the door clip and the arch wire, the arch wire does not have complete control over tooth movement.
• Interactive - Interactive 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 less than that of a bracket system that uses elastic ties to secure the arch wire to the bracket. Dr. Rose and Dr. Malik recommend the Interactive self-ligating bracket system.

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.