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Which Braces Are Right for You?

There are several types of braces available on the market today, however we will focus on the most common applications, which include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners. The one you ultimately go with will mostly depend on the outcome of a full orthodontic exam and consultation with an orthodontist.

Metal Braces

If you’ve ever heard the phrase: “If it ain't broke, don’t fix it.” – the same sentiment applies when talking about metal braces. They remain a tried-and-true method for correcting common teeth alignment issues.

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and arch wires. Metal braces typically are the the most cost-efficient orthodontic treatment available.

Metal braces continue to offer strength, durability, and highest level of effectiveness for treating moderate to severe orthodontic issues.

Clear (Ceramic) Braces

Ceramic braces, sometimes referred to as clear braces, are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. While they may be aesthetically more pleasing for some, they work essentially the same as metal braces for straightening teeth.

These ceramic options blend in well with your natural smile. They're smaller than ever and made of nearly invisible tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material. Though they're not completely invisible, and the brackets are about the same size and shape, they’re much less noticeable than metal braces.

Ceramic brackets are a less obvious way to straighten your smile when paired with clear or white wires and elastic ties. This option is especially attractive if you’re an esthetic-minded adult or teen.

Ceramic braces are perfect if you want an esthetic treatment option but don't want the extra hassle of removable aligners and the responsibility of wear time.

Gold Braces

Gold braces offer the perfect combination of durability and aesthetics, bringing a touch of elegance to traditional orthodontic treatment. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel and coated with a luxurious champagne-gold finish, these braces provide the same strength and effectiveness as standard metal braces while offering a more refined and stylish look.

One of the key advantages of gold braces is their versatility in appearance. You can choose to enhance their brilliance with gold-colored wires for a bold, glamorous look, or opt for tooth-colored wires to create a more subtle, blended effect that harmonizes with your natural smile. Whether you want to make a fashion statement or keep your orthodontic treatment discreet, gold braces allow you to customize your look to match your style.

Beyond aesthetics, gold braces offer the same level of precision and control as traditional metal braces, ensuring your orthodontist can guide your teeth into perfect alignment with efficiency and accuracy. If you’re looking for a treatment that delivers both performance and sophistication, gold braces are a brilliant choice.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. At Smile Straight Orthodontics we use Invisalign® clear aligners.

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. You typically have to wear them for around 22 hours a day.

There is a certain responsibility (you don't want to lose them and you need to remember to wear them for the prescribed duration each day) that comes with clear aligner treatment. Clear aligners are typically only recommended for adult patients. There is a wonderful product geared toward younger patients called Invisalign® for Teens. We will work together to determine whether a teenager is a good candidate for this treatment option.

Types ofBraces