Types of Braces

Walnut Central Orthodontics strives to offer the widest possible variety of treatments. You can be confident that you will find a treatment option that fits your individualized needs, your preferences, and your lifestyle. These are the different types of braces that are available to you:

Traditional metal braces

Even though traditional metal braces have been around for a long time, they are far from outdated; in fact, they are more comfortable and effective than ever before. Metal braces use stainless-steel brackets and wires to apply pressure to each individual tooth, gradually coaxing your teeth into a healthy alignment and giving you a perfect, beautiful smile. In addition, rubber elastics connecting the upper and lower braces help correct the alignment of your jaws. If you want a personalized touch, the elastics can be switched out to give your smile a dash of color.

Self-ligating braces

Self-ligating braces are very similar to traditional braces in both design and function. The major difference between traditional and self-ligating braces is that self-ligating braces do not use elastics. Instead of elastics, self-ligating braces use special clips to maintain alignment. Since elastics require frequent replacement and adjustment, choosing self-ligating braces will mean less maintenance, fewer check-ups, and shorter visits to the dentist. We use the Empower® brand of braces at Walnut Central Orthodontics.

Ceramic braces

If you preferred your braces to be less prominent, ceramics might be a great option for you. The use of ceramic material allows the brackets to be clear or matched to the natural color of your teeth. Ceramic braces are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts, however, meaning they may not be a great choice for very young patients. For teens and adults, on the other hand, they deliver excellent results.

Clear aligners

For those who want a truly invisible solution, clear aligners are the way to go. Removable plastic trays will be placed on both rows of your teeth to straighten your smile. The trays are removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, meaning that they will not impact your daily activities as deeply as braces do. Using removable aligners does require some self-control – if you cheat and leave them out, for example, they can’t do their job – but they offer amazing results when used correctly.

Which one of these options is right for you? Be sure to talk to your dentist about your treatment options during your next visit. The flawless smile you’ve been dreaming about is right around the corner.