The Different Types of Braces

As orthodontic care becomes more accessible, more and more patients are seeking treatment. With so many different treatment options available, our Hidden Smiles Orthodontics team can accommodate almost every need! People of all ages visit our Huntington office to learn more about how we can transform their smiles and give them the confidence they deserve. 

Whether you’re looking for an effective fix for complex issues or a simple aligner that escapes the notice of your friends, Dr. Parikh has the orthodontic treatment plan for you. Keep reading to learn about the different treatment options you can choose from and the steps you should take to get the smile of your dreams! 

Option #1: Invisalign

Straightening your teeth with Invisalign can be a great option if you want the least noticeable treatment. Using a series of customized clear aligner trays, Invisalign straightens your smile without the bulky brackets and wires of traditional metal or clear braces. 

As our most flexible treatment option, Invisalign allows you to straighten your teeth without changing your diet or oral hygiene routine like you would have to with metal braces. We offer Invisalign for children, teens, and adults alike. 

Invisalign First: Designed for patients between seven and ten, this clear aligner treatment provides predictable results and a positive experience while addressing the unique needs of growing children. They align your child’s teeth while expanding their arches and making room for existing teeth and incoming permanent teeth.

Invisalign Teen: Made just for teens, these clear aligner trays make it easy to straighten teeth discreetly and effectively. They come with special buttons on the back of the trays that change color when your teen wears them for the appropriate amount of time. This helps Dr. Parikh ensure that they’re keeping up with their treatment plan. 

Option #2: Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics. These orthodontic workhouses have a long history of successful treatment and are great at correcting many oral issues. 

In the past, metal braces may have been awkward and obvious, but modern metal braces are much smaller, more discreet, and more comfortable than ever before. Using a system of brackets and wires, our doctors straighten your teeth by adjusting the connective wire over time.  These adjustments typically occur every six to eight weeks and help shift your teeth in line for the perfect smile. 

Metal braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments, potentially shortening treatment time. Treatment time depends on the severity of your condition but typically ranges from 12-36 months. 

They’re also the most cost-effective option because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces make them our most popular treatment plan year after year. 

Option #3: Clear Braces

Clear braces are also called ceramic braces or aesthetic braces, and they work in the same way as metal braces. Designed to provide patients with a more subtle treatment option, clear braces use white brackets that blend in with your teeth for a less noticeable effect. 

Most patients’ biggest concern is staining. The ceramic material doesn’t stain, but the glue beneath the bracket might, so some patients avoid certain foods. However, if you maintain a good oral hygiene routine, you shouldn’t have to worry about staining. 

Fortunately, at Hidden Smiles Orthodontics, you can get clear braces for the same price as metal braces!

Option #4: Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are an excellent option for patients looking to straighten their smiles while avoiding the notice of their peers. These braces are custom fit behind your teeth for a practically invisible look!

At Hidden Smiles Orthodontics, we use InBrace and Brava braces for our customers who want an extremely invisible look while they straighten their smile. Our hidden braces options are flexible treatment options designed with comfort and discretion in mind. Using a custom wire placed into brackets and glued to the back of your teeth, this method gently glides your teeth into alignment over time. 

Like braces, our hidden braces options corrects your smile using a specialized custom technology. Like Invisalign, it aligns your teeth without attracting notice. 

Fixed Appliances vs. Removable Appliances 

Now that you know more about the different types of braces, it is important to understand the difference between fixed and removable appliances. Fixed appliances like clear and metal braces are attached to your teeth and cannot be removed until your treatment is complete. Removable appliances like Invisalign’s clear aligner system are worn for 20-22 hours per day and can be removed easily for meals, sports, or brushing your teeth. 

Aside from the obvious differences, Invisalign removable aligners are best for treating mild to moderate orthodontic problems. Our doctors usually recommend fixed appliances for more severe and comprehensive issues. 

Who Benefits From Braces?

Orthodontic treatment is an excellent option for people of any age, condition, or background. At your first consultation, our doctors will assess your unique orthodontic condition and determine whether you’re a good fit for braces.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children attend their first orthodontic appointment at the age of seven, but about one in every five of our patients are adults. Anyone of any age can benefit from braces. Braces are a great way to treat conditions like: 

• Crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Protruding teeth
• Overbites 
• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Impacted teeth

Choose Hidden Smiles Orthodontics! 

Dr. Parikh is an expert orthodontist with years of experience crafting beautiful smiles. Our orthodontic team carefully designs each treatment plan to fit your unique needs and goals. If you’re interested in getting the smile of your dreams, schedule your free consultation today!