The Different Types of Braces

Deciding to get orthodontic treatment is an exciting time, no matter how old you are! With so many different types of braces, however, choosing the treatment plan that’s right for you can feel a little tricky – but don’t worry! That’s what your team at Brodsky Orthodontics is here for. 

The promise of a beautiful smile in Lakewood holds true whether you get metal braces or Invisalign, but knowing which treatment options are available to you makes the entire process run more smoothly. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of braces – and who benefits from orthodontic treatment!

Fixed Appliances vs. Removable Appliances 

There are two types of orthodontic appliances available to you: fixed appliances and removable appliances. Each type comes with its pros and cons, and you’ll work with Dr. Joel and Dr. Charles  to determine which appliance is best for your smile goals. 

Fixed appliances, like clear and metal braces, are attached to your teeth and cannot be removed until your treatment is complete. Removable appliances like Invisalign’s clear aligner system are worn for 20-22 hours per day and can be removed easily for meals, sports, or brushing your teeth. 

Aside from the obvious differences, Invisalign removable aligners are best for treating mild to moderate orthodontic problems. Our doctors usually recommend fixed appliances for more severe and comprehensive issues. 

Fixed Appliances

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics. These orthodontic workhouses have a long history of successful treatment and are great at correcting many oral issues. 

In the past, metal braces may have been awkward and obvious, but modern metal braces are much smaller, more discreet, and more comfortable than ever before. Using a system of brackets and wires, our doctors straighten your teeth by adjusting the connective wire over time.  These adjustments typically occur every eight weeks and help shift your teeth in line for the perfect smile. 

Metal braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments, potentially shortening treatment time. Treatment time depends on the severity of your condition but typically ranges from 18-30 months. 

They’re a cost-effective option because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces make them one of our most popular treatment options year after year. 

Clear Braces

Clear braces are also called ceramic braces or aesthetic braces, and they work in the same way as metal braces. Designed to provide patients with a more subtle treatment option, clear braces use white brackets that blend in with your teeth for a less noticeable effect. 

Most patients’ biggest concern is staining. The ceramic material doesn’t stain, but the glue beneath the bracket might, so some patients avoid certain foods. However, if you maintain a good oral hygiene routine, you shouldn’t have to worry about staining. 

Many of our Lakewood patients choose clear braces over traditional metal braces because they provide the best of both worlds. Clear braces are both a durable treatment plan that works for all orthodontic conditions and a more aesthetic option. For older teens or adults, clear braces are an excellent choice to meet all your orthodontic needs. 

Fortunately, at Brodsky Orthodontics, you can get clear braces for the same price as metal braces!

InBrace Hidden Braces

InBrace is a unique treatment method that uses a customized SmartWire to adjust your teeth over time. The biggest difference between InBrace and other braces is that his treatment option fits behind your teeth, so no one will ever know you’re undergoing treatment! 

Without the limitations of traditional metal braces or Invisalign, InBrace makes treatment easy. You can eat whatever you want, and you don’t have to relearn how to brush and floss around bulky brackets and wires. 

InBrace puts treatment on autopilot. Once the wire is applied to the back of your teeth, this appliance is working 24/7 to straighten your teeth, so there’s no need for monthly tightenings or tray changes. You can expect to wear InBrace for up to 18 months, but some lucky patients finish treatment in as little as six months! 

Removable Appliances

Invisalign

Straightening your teeth with Invisalign can be a great option if you want the least noticeable treatment. Using a series of customized clear aligner trays, Invisalign straightens your smile without the bulky brackets and wires of traditional metal or clear braces. 

As our most flexible treatment option, Invisalign allows you to straighten your teeth without changing your diet or oral hygiene routine like you would have to with metal braces. We offer Invisalign for children, teens, and adults alike. 

Invisalign Teen : Made just for teens, these clear aligner trays make it easy to straighten teeth discreetly and effectively. They come with special buttons on the back of the trays that change color when your teen wears them for the appropriate amount of time. This helps our doctors ensure that they’re keeping up with their treatment plan. 

Who Benefits From Orthodontic Treatment?

Braces and clear aligners are excellent options for people of any age, condition, or background. At your first consultation, our doctors will assess your unique orthodontic condition and determine whether you’re a good fit for braces.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children attend their first orthodontic appointment at the age of seven, but about one in every three of our patients are adults. Anyone of any age can benefit from braces. Braces are a great way to treat conditions like: 

• Crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Protruding teeth
• Overbites 
• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Impacted teeth

With a wide variety of treatment methods and the skills to put them to work, our team at Brodsky Orthodontics can correct any of the above issues so you can feel confident in your smile. 

Your Straight Smile Is Just A Consultation Away

At Brodsky Orthodontics, our team offers personalized treatment plans with four different options to choose from: metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and InBrace. The best part of all is that you’re already so close to getting the treatment plan that works for you and the straight smile that comes with it. All that’s left to do is schedule your free consultation in Lakewood and follow our team on social media to stay up to date with all things orthodontics! We can’t wait to make you smile.