Like picking out your next vehicle, choosing between the different types of braces can get overwhelming. You have the way they work to weigh, how they will look and what fits your daily routine. With so many factors in play, you don’t want to settle for just any option.
Luckily, you really can have it all these days, and that carries over into your orthodontic treatment options. While Dr. Kevin Williams and his skilled team may not be able to help you narrow down which shiny new car to choose, they have the experience and knowledge to guide you to the type of braces that best fits your smile. Don’t get worked up in an online search trying to compare apples to oranges. Our Williams Orthodontics team has broken down each orthodontic treatment option so you can quickly see the differences.
The Different Types of Braces
We understand that straightening your teeth with orthodontics is a big decision. After all, your smile is your first impression in life. Here at Williams Orthodontics, we respect your reasons for wanting to improve your smile. We’ll work with you to make sure your orthodontic care with us is among the best experiences you’ve had. With ever-improving dental technology, we make sure you get the latest orthodontic treatments. Let us help you make the best choice for your smile!
Conventional Metal Braces
Metal or traditional braces have been around for many decades and are the original powerhouses of orthodontic treatment. Thanks to advancements in orthodontics, today’s metal braces are smaller, lighter and much more effective at significant adjustments than their bulky predecessors.
Traditional metal braces work by attaching a metal bracket to the front of your teeth and connecting those brackets with an archwire. The archwire is held on by elastic ties that come in a range of colors, so you can personalize your look. Every 4 to 8 weeks, your orthodontist adjusts the archwire to create small, precise tooth movements toward the result you want.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are a popular option that works much like conventional metal braces. This method swaps the metal brackets for clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets, making them far less noticeable. Many teen patients have found that bright elastic ties can still create an almost neon effect that really pops!
Metal braces are known for their durability and strength. Ceramic braces are tough too, but they are made from a more fragile material that is more likely to chip or crack, and they don’t tolerate pressure quite as well as metal.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners like Clarity and Invisalign have gained popularity over the last decade as the technology has made them more discreet and efficient. Like the retainer trays they evolved from, clear aligners fit comfortably over your teeth and shift them little by little. They work well for simple corrections and for mild to moderate issues like crowding, spacing, a mild overbite or gaps in the front teeth. With this discreet option, your smile is the only thing people will see.
Invisalign for Teens
Here at Williams Orthodontics, we also offer Invisalign for Teens. This option places a small dot on the back of the aligners to help keep your teen accountable for their wear time, and it leaves extra room for molars that haven’t fully come in yet.
How Do I Know Which Is Best for Me?
We know it can be a tough decision, especially when there’s no way to tell what your tooth and jaw structure look like just from the mirror. We’ll walk you through a complete oral examination at your initial consultation. During this tour through your teeth, we take x-rays and photos to study your tooth shape, smile display and the aesthetic details of your lips and mouth. This shows you how your smile would benefit from orthodontic treatment and helps us see the functional needs of your teeth and jaws. We want you to know exactly how your face, jaws and smile would improve, and the best way to get there.
Your Smile, Your Way With Williams Orthodontics!
Our compassionate team at Williams Orthodontics in Monroe, LA and El Dorado, AR is here to walk you through the many orthodontic options available to get you a smile that matches your personality. Step by step, we’ll work alongside you and your family through the treatment and logistics until we reach the right result for you or your child.
Whether it’s conventional metal braces, clear braces or clear aligners, we’re dedicated to giving you personalized care using the latest orthodontic technologies and treatments. We’ll treat you and your family like our own! Schedule your consultation and let us help make you smile!
Braces FAQs
What are the main types of braces?
The main options are conventional metal braces, clear ceramic braces and clear aligners like Invisalign. Metal and ceramic braces use brackets and a wire, while clear aligners are removable trays. Each one straightens teeth in its own way, and the right fit depends on your teeth and your preferences.
Are clear ceramic braces as strong as metal braces?
Ceramic braces are tough, but the material is more fragile than metal and can chip or crack, and it doesn’t handle pressure quite as well. Metal braces are the sturdier choice for bigger corrections, while ceramic braces trade a little strength for a less noticeable look.
Can I choose the colors for my braces?
Yes. Metal and ceramic braces use elastic ties that come in a wide range of colors, and you can pick new ones at each adjustment visit. Bright ties can even create a fun, standout look.
How do I know which type of braces is right for me?
The best way is a consultation. Dr. Williams reviews your teeth and jaws with x-rays and photos, then walks you through the options that fit your case so you can decide with a clear picture.