Types of Braces

Share:

Metal Braces

metal_color.png Metal braces are the most common type. They are made of high-grade stainless steel. Today's metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive.

Ceramic Braces

clear.png Ceramic braces are made of translucent (clear) material. They are most popular with adult patients, due to their cosmetic appeal. The only drawbacks to ceramic brackets are that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.

Invisalign®

invisalign.png The Invisalign system is a series of clear overlay templates – called aligners – that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. This system is available to adult and adolescent patients with certain orthodontic bite problems. Ask us if you are a candidate for the Invisalign system.

Herbst Appliance

herbst.png In cases where a small lower jaw is further back than it should be, we like to encourage the lower jaw to catch up in growth. Braces, incorporating the Herbst appliance, help this happen. Even though the Herbst appliance prevents the lower jaw from moving backward, opening and closing movement still occur easily, and patients do not have any problems learning to chew their food with their lower jaw in this new position.

Forsus Appliance

forsus-1-.jpg The Forsus appliance is used in order to help move the upper molars back while moving the lower arch forward. Composed of a spring coil rod, the appliance is used while a patient is currently wearing braces. It runs from the upper first molar band down to the lower archwire.

After either the forsus or herbst appliance is placed,  you may notice some discomfort initially. We recommend a soft food diet for the first few days after the appliance is placed. Regular anti-inflammatory medication may help with any discomfort, if needed. It is important to keep the appliance clean; you may do this by carefully brushing the coil and other metal pieces of the appliance. Also, we recommend that patients not open their mouths very wide, as the appliance may come apart.