Metal Braces
The most common type of braces are made of metal, silver in colour are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, they should always be shiny and never stain from the foods you eat. Together the metal brackets and archwires straighten your teeth. You do have the option of adding coloured elastics to your metal braces, which ups the fun factor, creating a more unique and colourful smile.
Self-Ligating Braces
Our self-ligating braces are also made from stainless steel metal, however they do not require the use of elastics to hold the archwire in place. Self-ligating braces are about the same size as metal braces, and have a specialized clip or gate that holds the archwire into place. This reduces the amount of pressure being placed on the teeth, and requires fewer adjustments because there are no elastics to replace.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth and are therefore “invisible” when you smile. Lingual braces are 100% customized to match the shape of your teeth; the metal appliances are created uniquely for you. Lingual braces are a very reasonable option for athletes, models, actors/actresses, musicians who play wind instruments, and adult professionals.
Why Hometown Orthodontics
Clear (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.
What is the difference between clear braces and clear aligners?
Clear braces are the same as traditional metal braces except that they are clear! Clear braces are a less noticeable alternative to traditional metal braces and provide patients with an equally effective treatment.
Clear aligners are different from clear braces. Clear aligners are pieces of hard plastic that are designed to fit into your mouth like a mouthguard. Clear aligners are great for patients requiring minor orthodontic treatment.
What are the advantages and disadvantages to clear braces?
As with any orthodontic treatment, it is important to choose the right option for your needs and lifestyle. Clear braces are a great alternative to traditional metal braces and your orthodontist will help you determine whether they are the right treatment for you.
Advantages to clear braces:
- Appearance: Ceramic braces and clear braces are much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Clear and ceramic braces offer an aesthetic alternative for patients seeking options other than traditional metal braces.
- Confidence: Many patients who choose ceramic or clear braces feel more confident about their orthodontic treatment, especially knowing that people are focusing on their smiles rather than their braces.
Disadvantages to clear braces:
- Cost: Ceramic and clear braces may cost more than traditional metal braces. Your orthodontist may offer convenient payment plans to help control the costs of your treatment. Be sure to talk to your orthodontist about all of your financial options.
- Discoloration: The clear elastic ties used with clear and ceramic braces may become slightly discolored when you drink tea, coffee, or wine, and eat certain foods or smoke. Ask your orthodontist about how you can keep your braces looking their best.
- Treatment Time: Orthodontic treatment with clear or ceramic braces may take longer than with traditional metal braces. If you don’t mind investing a little more time in your smile, then talk to your orthodontist to find out how long your treatment time will be with clear or ceramic braces.
Are clear or ceramic braces the right choice for my smile and me?
By talking to your orthodontist, you can decide if clear or ceramic braces are the right treatment for you. Your orthodontist can provide answers to your questions and extra information explaining the benefits of each treatment. If you would like to learn more about clear braces, ceramic braces, and all of the options available to you, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment today.
Clear Aligners
An alternative way to straighten your teeth, like braces can, is through the use of a series of clear, removable acrylic trays. The benefits are not only that they are invisible, but that they are removable! This means you can continue eating and drinking what you want while in treatment, plus it makes brushing and flossing easier.
The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
How do clear aligners work?
Just like braces, clear aligners use gradual force to control tooth movement, but without any metal wires or brackets. Made with a strong plastic material, aligners are changed at home as directed by the Orthodontist. Aligners are worn for at least 20 hours each day. The length of your treatment depends on the severity of your case, and treatment can take anywhere from six months to two years.
Advantages of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners:
If you are a candidate, aligners offer a great alternative for patients who want a straighter smile but do not want to wear metal braces, or for patients who have had treatment in the past and want to make minor corrections to their smile. There are several advantages to orthodontic treatment with clear aligners.
- Clear aligners are easier to keep clean, making it easier to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
- Clear aligners are comfortable and less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks.
- Clear aligners prevent wear on the teeth from tooth grinding.
- Clear aligners are removable, so it’s easier for you to brush and floss after meals
- Clear aligners are removable, so dietary restrictions and modifications are not necessary
Schedule an appointment to talk to your Orthodontist about whether clear aligners are the right treatment for you.
Why Hometown Orthodontics
LightForce Braces
Braces, but better
LightForce offers treatment that’s as unique as a fingerprint. We are proud to offer this cutting-edge solution that unites modern 3D-printing technology with fully digital treatment planning to provide you with a great experience and results. LightForce crafts fully personalized braces that are built to precisely match the unique shape and orientation of your teeth, meaning that the overall treatment time is expedited and fewer office visits are required.
LightForce benefits
- Efficient Treatment (thanks to braces that are designed to exactly match your teeth).
- Ideal Results (thanks to digital treatment planning and more effective bracket technology).
- Perfect Fit (thanks to digital scans, perfectly-fitting braces). Ultimately, LightForce braces offer a custom fit for every patient, which means less discomfort, more effective straightening, and shorter treatments. LightForce is the next generation of tooth straightening: It’s more efficient, more personalized, and more convenient than any other option on the market.
Want to learn more about what LightForce could do for your smile?
Visit the LightForce website for more details on the technology (https://lf.co/) , or click here to schedule an complementary meeting with our orthodontist today.
