All About Braces

Metal Braces

There’s never been a better time to wear braces!

There’s never been a better time to wear braces! Today’s metal braces have come a long way: they’re much smaller, flatter, and more comfortable than they were back in the day. At Smiles Orthodontics, we offer many different types of braces, including metal self-ligating braces, which use brackets and archwires rather than rubber bands to straighten teeth. Self-ligating braces have been around for quite some time but have only recently grown in popularity because of their many advantages. They’re a great option for children with overcrowded teeth because they cause less pain when teeth are moving and adjusting. Plus, if a patient does what they’re supposed to do, their self-ligating braces may come off sooner. Metal brackets are made of durable stainless steel and metal alloy wires that are gradually adjusted to apply gentle pressure and move teeth in the right direction. In addition to looking great, self-ligating metal braces come with a number of benefits. For example, they cause less friction on the teeth, require shorter orthodontist visits, and are easier to clean and more comfortable than traditional braces. With traditional braces, you have to spend time at the orthodontist getting rubber bands removed and replaced, but self-ligating braces require a simple adjustment that will have you in and out of the office in no time. Some people may also find that self-ligating braces make their teeth easier on the eyes and are less apparent than traditional braces. Metal braces help patients of all ages achieve straight, beautiful, and long-lasting smiles.

Ceramic Brackets

We use Self Ligating Ceramic brackets

At Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Silvia Menendez uses Self Ligating Ceramic brackets, which are brackets made of ceramic or porcelain that blend in seamlessly with your teeth — an excellent option for older teenagers or adults who have cosmetic concerns and would prefer a more discreet look. In fact, ceramic brackets can be color-matched to your teeth, making them less visible. As with metal braces, ceramic braces use metal wires that are threaded through the brackets and apply a gentle steady force that shifts the teeth in the desired direction. Traditional braces are made of three main components: the brackets, which are attached to your teeth with adhesive; the archwire, which helps the teeth move into place; and the ligatures, which are rubber bands that anchor the archwire. Self-ligating ceramic brackets don’t require rubber bands, as the section that holds the wire is built directly into the bracket. Some other advantages of self-ligating ceramic braces are that they:
  • Are easier to clean because there are fewer places where food can get stuck.
  • Don’t require long adjustment appointments since the brackets are spring-loaded.
  • Are less uncomfortable during adjustments.
  • Minimize the friction and forces required to straighten teeth.
  • Have smoother edges than traditional braces, which increases comfort.
If you’re deciding whether to get metal brackets or ceramic brackets to get your ideal smile, know that at the end of the day, the choice comes down to appearance: do you not mind if your braces appear more prominent, or would you rather they be more subtle? Either way, you’ll get that dazzling, lasting smile you’ve always wanted.

Want to learn more about Smile Orthodontics?

Early Treatment

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Before & After

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Braces

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Get Started!

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