Types of Braces at Carcara 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.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are an innovative clinical technology that makes orthodontic treatment more efficient and more comfortable than ever before. Self-ligating appliances have a built-in "sliding door/clip" that holds the wire in place while allowing it to slide freely back and forth.

This system allows the use of high-tech, light-force wires to achieve tooth movement. This results in less pressure to the teeth, thus more comfortable treatment. Treatment time can be dramatically reduced. This means fewer adjustments, which result in less frequent office visits to achieve treatment goals. Dr. Carcara uses the latest in self-ligating braces including Damon® Smile, Clarity® SL and SmartClip™.

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 as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.

Clear Aligners

Invisalign®

Invisalign uses a series of removable and comfortable clear aligners to straighten your teeth. And, no one can tell you are wearing Invisalign because it's invisible! 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 less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. Please visit our Invisalign page to learn more.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces, like Incognito™,  are hidden behind the teeth and are therefore "invisible" when you smile. Lingual braces are 100% customized to match the shape of your teeth; the metal appliances are created uniquely for you. Lingual braces are a very reasonable option for athletes, models, actors/actresses, musicians who play wind instruments, and adult professionals.