Types of Braces
Thinking about braces? Great! Did you know there are plenty of different paths to a straight smile?
During your consultation with our staff, we will help you determine what braces will be most effective for you. Everyone is different, and so is every orthodontic treatment! Below, you can learn more about all the types of braces we offer at Sawgrass Orthodontics.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires with connecting rubber bands, all of which apply a gentle pressure that gradually moves your teeth into a straighter position. This treatment method has proven to be reliable and effective for decades, and nowadays metal braces are much more comfortable than they used to be!
Today's metal braces are smaller and more comfortable today than ever before. Made from medical-grade stainless steel, this type of braces straightens your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. If you are looking to make a unique statement, metal braces are a great option. Elastics, which are applied to brackets, come in a variety of colors, and are a great way for you to show your team spirit, choose a seaonal color, or show off your personality!
Ceramic, Self-Litigating Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces because they involve brackets and metal wires that adjust the teeth over time to their prescribe position. However, ceramic and clear braces are exceptionally inconspicuous because the brackets are basically the same color as your teeth!
These braces are ideal for older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns, but are looking to go the more traditional bracket-and-wire route. For you, this means meaning fewer appointments and less friction being placed on the tooth.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are another great option if you don’t want anyone to know you’re wearing braces. Lingual brackets are attached to the back sides of your teeth, so they’re not visible from the front of your smile. They essentially work “behind the scenes” to straighten your smile!
In-Ovation®
In-Ovation® braces are also similar to traditional metal braces, but the brackets are specially to be effective without adjusting. There are several different options for In-Ovation braces themselves, and you can learn more about all of them with a vist to our offices.
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Two-phase orthodontics is an effective treatment plan used for children who come in for an initial exam around age 7 (as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists). The two phases, along with a “resting period” in between, offer a holistic approach to orthodontics that often helps a young patient to avoid more invasive procedures like jaw surgery and tooth extraction later in life.
You can learn more about two-phase orthodontic treatment during a free consult at our office and here in our Braces for Kids section below.
Invisalign Treatment
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a series of nearly invisible, removable, acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. We scan your teeth and create a series of custom trays that are shaped to gradually move your teeth into a straighter smile.
Not only are the aligners clear and practically invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Brushing and flossing are less of a hassle with clear aligners, and while we recommend wearing them around 22 hours a day, they are removable for big events and special occasions.
Another benefit of clear aligners are that they are smooth, meaning less mouth abrasions during treatment and no need for wax. Invisalign is a great option for teens and adults who don't have many bite issues and are looking for a low-visibility way to a straighter smile.
Forsus™
The Forsus™ Fatigue Resistant Device is a treatment option we sometimes use if the patient has an overjet - also known as protruding teeth. You can learn more about this effective, comfortable appliance below, and we will certainly explain more if your child will need it.