Types of Braces

There are a few ways to achieve the smile you want using braces. Learn more about your options.

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 personalized and colorful smile.

traditional metal braces - Bettagere Orthodontics
Clear Ceramic Braces - Bettagere Orthodontics

Clear (Ceramic) Braces

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials that make them 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 because ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces are more frequently used on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a series of nearly invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. These aligners are not only undetectable, they are also removable, allowing you to eat and drink whatever you want during treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and avoid the metal that can cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

Invisalign clear aligners - Bettagere Orthodontics