Types of Braces

Getting braces ?  Aurora Orthodontics uses different options of braces for teeth: traditional metal or silver braces (and mini-braces), color braces, gold braces, clear braces, self-ligating or Damon braces, invisible braces, invisalign or invisalign braces, and clear aligners

Traditional metal braces for teeth

Traditional metal braces for teeth are the most common type, and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Self-ligating dental braces

Self-ligating dental braces are made from the same materials as traditional braces. However, self-ligating braces do not require the use of elastics, which means fewer appointments and less friction on the tooth. Self-ligating braces come with traditional metal, ceramic, or clear brackets. They are the same size as metal braces, but use a specialized clip in place of elastics to help the archwire guide teeth into place. The clip helps reduce the amount of pressure placed on the tooth, and requires fewer adjustments because there are no elastics to replace.

Clear (ceramic) braces for teeth

Ceramic braces for teeth 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 because ceramic braces are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.

Invisalign braces or clear aligners

Invisalign braces or clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment; plus, brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and contain no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

Gold dental braces for teeth

Gold dental braces are similar to traditional metal braces in many ways. They are made of stainless steel, but are uniquely coated in gold. Some patients consider the gold coating a more cosmetic option than traditional metal braces. And the cost of gold braces is surprisingly comparable to that of most clear braces.