Types of Braces

Braces can give you straighter teeth and a beautiful smile. In the past, achieving a straighter smile was limited to traditional metal braces. However, there are now several types of braces to choose from, including clear ceramic braces, lingual braces, clear aligners and traditional metal braces. Your orthodontist can help you select the type of braces best suited your needs. At DiMariano Family Dentistry & Orthodontics in Folsom, CA, Dr. Shaina DiMariano can evaluate your teeth and recommend the right type of braces for you.

Braces & Aligners

The different types of braces all deliver a straighter smile over time. Some types of braces can also correct misaligned bites, including overbites or underbites. Depending on your teeth and your bite, your orthodontist in Folsom can determine which type of braces are most appropriate to correct and improve your smile. Four main types of braces available at DiMariano Family Dentistry & Orthodontics include:

• Traditional Metal Braces
• Clear Ceramic Braces
• Lingual Braces
• Clear Aligners

Traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces and lingual braces all share several similarities. For instance, they all rely on the use of brackets and wires to move the teeth. With both traditional metal and clear ceramic braces, the brackets are mounted to the front of the teeth. With lingual braces, the brackets are affixed to the back of the teeth making them virtually unnoticeable to others. Since ceramic braces are clear, they are also less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

Clear aligners provide an alternative to the brackets and wires associated with the other three types of braces. Clear aligners utilize soft, plastic aligner trays that fit over the top and bottom rows of teeth. Positioning of the teeth inside the trays is customized for each patient. New trays are provided every few weeks as the teeth gradually move into the desired position. Clear aligners offer several distinct advantages over other types of braces. The trays are soft and comfortable, clear and inconspicuous and can be removed when eating or to brush and floss.

Whether you wish to straighten your smile, correct a misaligned bite or both, several types of braces are available to accomplish your goals. To determine which type might be right for you, schedule a consolation with Dr. DiMariano, your Folsom, CA orthodontist, by calling DiMariano Family Dentistry & Orthodontics at (916) 983-6655.