Types of Braces Provided at Stieg & Wachtel Orthodontics

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 unique and colorful smile.  These braces are accuate and versatile.  They are still the standard of the orthodontic industry because of their reliability.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are made from the same materials as traditional braces. However, self-ligating braces do not require the use of elastic ties. We choose not to recommend them because over time there are limitations to what self-ligating braces can do and it sometimes takes longer to finish orthodontic cases with this product.

Clear (Ceramic) 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. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene. They provide a more esthetic alternative to metal braces yet still have the versatility and reliability for consistantly good results.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like 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 easier. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal providing a nice alternative to braces.  Aligners do not have as much versatility as metal and clear braces so certain orthodontic problems can not be corrected with aligner treatment.  Only a trained orthodontist will be able to determine which treatment is best for your perticular set of problems.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces fit on the inside of the teeth.  Lingual braces are less visable and less versatile than conventional brackets.