x Types of Braces - Loucks & Buren Orthodontics | Newton Grinnell IA

Types of Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

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 (o-rings) at each visit for a more unique and colorful smile.



Clear (Ceramic) Braces

clear 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.  They also require more attention to oral hygiene and careful eating as ceramic braces are more brittle than their metal counterparts; clear braces tend to be used only on upper front teeth and are slightly more expensive than metal braces.


invisalign

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth similar to 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, however they require excellent patient cooperation with appropriate wear to be successful.