Types of Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces 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 Braces

Self-ligating braces are made from the same materials as traditional braces. However, self-ligating braces do not require the use of elastics, meaning fewer appointments and less friction being placed 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 being placed on the tooth, and requires fewer adjustments because there are no elastics to replace.

Clear (Ceramic) Braces

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

Clear Aligners

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 have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

Empower®

Advanced Smile Technology™

Empower braces feature self-ligating technology, which uses a clip to hold your arch wire in place instead of traditional rubber bands (ligatures). Rubber bands can stain and need to be replaced during adjustment appointments. Empower self-ligating clips are designed for quick, easy wire adjustments, meaning less time spent in our office and more time for you to enjoy the things you love!

Why choose Empower?

• Low-force, low-friction brackets designed with contoured edges and a low profile make orthodontic treatment more comfortable
• Self-ligating clips eliminate the use of rubber bands, allowing for quicker, easier adjustments
• With interactive, passive, or a combination of the two with our Dual Activation™ System, Empower brackets offer precise movement and control

Empower Clear Braces

With Empower Clear braces, so you can feel confident to show off your smile while you're undergoing treatment.

• Aesthetics – Empower Clear braces are made of strong ceramic material that blends beautifully with your teeth
• Efficiency – The use of self-ligating brackets eliminates the need for elastics, which need to be replaced more often, and tend to stain and wear down over time
• Comfort – Each bracket is sculpted with rounded edges, meaning a low profile and smoother surface against your cheeks and lips

We are committed to creating for you the beautiful, healthy smile you've always wanted. Contact our office to schedule an appointment, and see if Empower braces are right for you!