Types of Braces

Types of Braces

At Webb Family Orthodontics, we offer a range of braces types to suit varying patient needs. Options include:

  • Porcelain or Ceramic Braces: Porcelain and ceramic braces both offer the advantage of being less noticeable on the teeth. The brackets are the same white color as the teeth. While the brackets look different than traditional metal braces, they work exactly the same way to gradually realign your teeth.
  • Metal Braces: Metal braces are the option that most people are familiar with, as they’ve been used for decades to straighten teeth. Today’s metal braces are more advanced than ever, which means that they’re as comfortable as possible. Metal braces are made from a high-grade stainless steel material.
  • Invisalign: Invisalign is a teeth-straightening treatment that uses custom-fitted plastic trays to apply pressure and shift the teeth into position. Invisalign aligners are clear and there’s no metal involved. This makes Invisalign one of the best options for anyone who wants to keep their natural smile while still straightening their teeth. Invisalign is available for both teens and adults.
  • Damon System Braces: The Damon System is a type of metal or ceramic brace that eliminates the need for the colored ties to hold the wire.  It utilizes light forces to help align teeth and widen smiles.

How Braces Work

Braces apply continuous light pressure to the teeth to make them move into the ideal position.  Rubber bands are utilized with braces to help correct the bite relationship.

Who Is Eligible for Braces?

Braces eligibility depends on bite problems. Patients who have malocclusion (“bad bite”) may have an overbite, an underbite, or simply crooked teeth. No matter what the problem is if your bite is causing problems it can usually be corrected with braces. The right age for braces can vary by patient. Patients can start with orthodontic observation as early as age 6 or 7, and then plan for braces once the adult teeth have grown in at around age 10 to 14. Early adolescence is the ideal time to get braces, as the mouth is still growing and the alignment is more easily correctable than it is as an adult. Adults are eligible for braces as well; however, it may take longer to correct misalignment since adults finished growing long ago.

The Advantages of Today’s Braces

Today’s braces are lighter, more comfortable, and easier to wear than ever. There are even options for invisible braces. Webb Family Orthodontics is happy to help you straighten your smile with braces, so contact us anytime for a consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kind of braces do you offer?

    At Webb Family Orthodontics, we have traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign. We are a leading provider of Invisalign and Incognito in the area.

  • Are Braces Painful? How Do I Ease the Pain?

    At our office, we make your braces experience as comfortable as possible. Although braces do take some getting used to, we find that our patients adjust within 1-2 days after getting their braces, and have a great experience at our office. Braces aren't generally painful, but you may feel a bit sore the first few days after getting them. This soreness is quite normal, and it won't last for long and can usually be managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or Tylenol. If you're experiencing lip, cheek, or tongue irritation in the weeks immediately after getting braces, some wax can alleviate the problem quickly. We're happy to provide the wax for you!

  • How Long Will I Have to Have Braces?

    The amount of time that you'll need to wear braces depends on several factors, including the severity of your bite problem and the nature of the issue. Most patients need to wear braces for 12 to 24 months, but it may be shorter or longer for you. Dr. Webb will discuss your case with you and give you a general idea of what to expect. After you've had the braces on for several months, the progress can be measured more easily, and Dr. Webb may be able to give you an update on how long you can expect to wear braces.

  • Can I Get Braces That Are Less Noticeable?

    Yes, you can — in fact, there are several options for less noticeable braces today. Invisalign is a popular option because it straightens teeth using transparent plastic trays that fit your teeth like a second skin with no wires or brackets at all. Another popular choice for less noticeable braces is porcelain or ceramic braces. While these are traditional braces in terms of function, the brackets are made from a tooth-colored porcelain or ceramic that blends in with your teeth to make them much less obvious.

  • What Foods Should I Avoid While I Have Braces?

    There are a few things to keep in mind when eating while you have braces, including: 

    • Avoid sticky foods. Foods like caramel can get stuck in your braces and cause discomfort. 
    • Cut up crunchy foods. Apples, corn on the cob, etc can be tough to chew with braces, cutting them into smaller pieces will help!
    • Avoid strong candies - like Jawbreakers. 

  • How Do I Brush My Teeth With Braces?

    We recommend brushing after every meal with braces.  Holding the toothbrush properly and brushing the correct areas on the teeth is necessary to ensure proper brushing.  Please watch our video to improve your brushing skills here. 

  • Can I play sports while in braces?

    Yes!

    We also offer mouth guards to wear over the braces while playing sports. Mouth guards protect your teeth and the braces during physical activity and our doctor recommends wearing them.

  • Do you offer before and after school appointments?

    Yes!

    Webb Family Orthodontics offers a number of appointment times M-F to accommodate your busy schedule. 

  • How much do braces cost?

    The cost of braces can vary depending on which type of braces you have, how long you need treatment, and other factors unique to your situation. We at Webb Family Orthodontics understand that the financial aspect of braces is something that many patients worry about, and we're here to help. We offer payment plans and are willing to work within your budget to help you get the orthodontic care you need. Contact us anytime to learn more!

  • How do I get started?

    It's simple!  Call our office at 423-870-5254 to set up your free consultation or request a free consultation online here.