Types of Braces

Finding the Right Fit for Your Smile

At Phillips Family Orthodontics, we understand that choosing the right type of braces is a critical decision in your orthodontic journey. Whether you're seeking a traditional option or something more discreet, we offer a variety of braces tailored to meet your individual needs. Below we’ll explore the different types of braces available, the pros and cons of each, and how to determine which option is best for you.

Metal Braces

Metal braces, also known as traditional braces, are the most common braces. They are made of high-grade stainless steel and have metal brackets and wires attached to the front of your teeth. Phillips Family Orthodontics uses the time-tested traditional twin brackets to correct many orthodontic issues.

While self-ligating brackets (Damon Ultima, Pitts, Norris, etc.) are another type of metal braces often marketed for reducing friction and speeding up treatment, the claimed benefits are only anecdotal. No evidence suggests self-ligating brackets offer superior results or shorter treatment than traditional twin brackets. For this reason, Dr. Phillips focuses on the conventional twin brackets, which have a long history of success in orthodontics.

Pros:

Durability: Metal braces are strong and less likely to break.
Effectiveness: Traditional twin brackets are highly effective for treating many orthodontic issues, from simple alignment to complex bite corrections.
Cost-Effective: Metal braces are generally the most affordable option.

Cons:

Visibility: Metal braces are more noticeable than other types, which can concern some patients.
Comfort: They can cause some discomfort, especially after adjustments.

Best for:

You may choose metal braces if you want a cost-effective and highly efficient treatment option, especially for those with more complex orthodontic needs.

Metal Braces

Pros:

Durability: Metal braces are strong and less likely to break.
Effectiveness: Traditional twin brackets are highly effective for treating many orthodontic issues, from simple alignment to complex bite corrections.
Cost-Effective: Metal braces are generally the most affordable option.

Cons:

Visibility: Metal braces are more noticeable than other types, which can concern some patients.
Comfort: They can cause some discomfort, especially after adjustments.

Best for:

You may choose metal braces if you want a cost-effective and highly efficient treatment option, especially for those with more complex orthodontic needs.

Ceramic Braces

Overview:
Ceramic braces are similar in shape and size to metal braces but use a clear or tooth-colored ceramic material. This transparency makes them less noticeable on the teeth compared to metal braces.

Pros:

Aesthetic Appeal: Ceramic braces blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making them nearly invisible.
Effectiveness: They offer the same effectiveness as metal braces in correcting orthodontic issues.

Cons:

Fragility: Ceramic brackets are more fragile and break more easily than metal brackets.
Cost: They are usually more expensive than metal braces.
Staining: The clear or tooth-colored brackets can stain if not properly cared for, particularly with certain foods and drinks.

Best for:
You may choose ceramic braces if you are concerned about the appearance of metal braces but still want a highly effective treatment option.

Ceramic Braces

Pros:

Aesthetic Appeal: Ceramic braces blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making them nearly invisible.
Effectiveness: They offer the same effectiveness as metal braces in correcting orthodontic issues.

Cons:

Fragility: Ceramic brackets are more fragile and break more easily than metal brackets.
Cost: They are usually more expensive than metal braces.
Staining: The clear or tooth-colored brackets can stain if not properly cared for, particularly with certain foods and drinks.

Best for:
You may choose ceramic braces if you are concerned about the appearance of metal braces but still want a highly effective treatment option.

Lingual Braces

Overview:
Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces but are placed on the backside of the teeth, making them invisible from the front. However, at Phillips Family Orthodontics, we do not use lingual braces.

Why We Don’t Use Them:
While lingual braces offer the benefit of being completely hidden, they come with several drawbacks:

Comfort: Lingual braces can be uncomfortable for many patients, as they are placed close to the tongue and may cause irritation.
Complexity: Lingual braces can only treat simple cases. They are challenging to clean and maintain, leading to oral hygiene issues.
Cost: Lingual braces tend to be more expensive due to the complexity of their placement and adjustments.

At Phillips Family Orthodontics, we prioritize comfort and effective treatment outcomes by offering other options that provide aesthetic appeal and ease of use.

Lingual Braces

Why We Don’t Use Them:
While lingual braces offer the benefit of being completely hidden, they come with several drawbacks:

Comfort: Lingual braces can be uncomfortable for many patients, as they are placed close to the tongue and may cause irritation.
Complexity: Lingual braces can only treat simple cases. They are challenging to clean and maintain, leading to oral hygiene issues.
Cost: Lingual braces tend to be more expensive due to the complexity of their placement and adjustments.

At Phillips Family Orthodontics, we prioritize comfort and effective treatment outcomes by offering other options that provide aesthetic appeal and ease of use.

Invisalign and Clear Aligners

Overview:
Invisalign and other clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional braces that use a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth gradually. The aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and are nearly invisible when worn.

Pros:

Discreet: Aligners are clear and virtually invisible, making them an excellent option for those concerned about aesthetics.
Removable: The aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing, allowing for easier oral hygiene maintenance.
Comfort: Without brackets or wires, Invisalign is often more comfortable and less likely to irritate your mouth.

Cons:

Discipline Required: Invisalign requires a high level of patient compliance. You must wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day to be effective.
Cost: Aligners can be more expensive than traditional braces, especially for complex cases.
Not Suitable for All Cases: Invisalign is ideal for mild to advanced orthodontic issues but may not be suitable for specific complex cases.

Best for:
You may choose clear aligners if you are looking for a nearly invisible treatment option and you are willing to commit to wearing their aligners as directed.

Invisalign and Clear Aligners

Pros:

Discreet: Aligners are clear and virtually invisible, making them an excellent option for those concerned about aesthetics.
Removable: The aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing, allowing for easier oral hygiene maintenance.
Comfort: Without brackets or wires, Invisalign is often more comfortable and less likely to irritate your mouth.

Cons:

Discipline Required: Invisalign requires a high level of patient compliance. You must wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day to be effective.
Cost: Aligners can be more expensive than traditional braces, especially for complex cases.
Not Suitable for All Cases: Invisalign is ideal for mild to advanced orthodontic issues but may not be suitable for specific complex cases.

Best for:
You may choose clear aligners if you are looking for a nearly invisible treatment option and you are willing to commit to wearing their aligners as directed.

Which Type of Braces or Treatment is Right for You?

Choosing the perfect orthodontic treatment type depends on various factors, including your orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and budget. During your consultation at Phillips Family Orthodontics, Dr. Joseph Phillips will evaluate your case and discuss your best treatment options. Whether you prefer the durability of metal braces, the subtlety of ceramic braces, or the flexibility of aligners, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.

You can expect some soreness, but it typically subsides within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Contact our office to schedule a repair for loose brackets or wires, and use orthodontic wax to prevent irritation. While cleaning can be more difficult with braces, maintaining good oral hygiene is critical to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Which Type of Braces is Right for You?

Schedule A Consultation today

Phillips Family Orthodontics offers a range of braces options to suit your unique needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for the strength of metal braces, the discretion of ceramic braces, or the convenience of clear aligners, we’re here to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Contact Phillips Family Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation and determine which braces best fit you.