By Dr. Jay R. Singer
Over the years, orthodontic technology has made braces and other orthodontic appliance systems more comfortable and less noticeable. The following is a description of the different types of braces and aligner systems that are available today.
Metal Braces: Traditional metal braces are still the most common type. They are made of high grade stainless steel. Nickel-free is available. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive and one can get them from the best orthodontic services if required.
Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces are made of translucent (clear) material. They are most popular with adult patients, due to their cosmetic appeal.
Self-Ligation Brackets: Self-ligation brackets after an oral surgery are promoted to create less friction and thus faster tooth movement but the current research has not shown there to be a significant difference in treatment time compared to non-SL brackets.
Gold Braces: Gold braces are stainless steel braces coated with gold, and are popular with patients of all ages. Gold braces are beautiful and blend with skin tones making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Cost is comparable to clear braces.
Colors: Colors can be added to any of the braces above to match your outfits, favorite sports teams, school colors, or holiday colors.
Invisalign®: The Invisalign System is a series of clear overlay templates—called aligners—that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. This system is available to adult patients with certain orthodontic bite problems using braces and invisalign. Invisalign Teen” incorporates design features especially for teenagers. Please ask us if you are a candidate for the Invisalign system.
Spring Aligners: Spring aligners are removable appliances that are a good treatment option for aligning front teeth that are not severely rotated and already level.
Lingual Braces and Incognito™: Lingual Braces are placed on the tongue-side surfaces (lingual) of the teeth so they are completely hidden. No one will know that you are wearing braces unless you tell them. Dr. Singer is the most experienced Lingual Orthodontist in south Florida, having used them continuously since 1982. Incognito braces are a type of lingual braces that are custom-cast to each of your teeth. They are lower-profile than standard lingual brackets and may shorten treatment time somewhat but are more costly. Incognito and lingual braces braces are created using state-of-the-art technology and are 100% customized to the shape of your teeth.
“Fast Braces” and “Six-Month Smiles”: These are brand names of essentially laboratory services to assist general pediatrics orthodontics perform limited orthodontics. There is otherwise nothing special about these appliance systems. They do not work faster than other types of braces, they just work incompletely. Limited and shorter treatment is acceptable in certain situations which is best assessed by an orthodontic specialist. Please feel free to ask Dr. Singer if you are a candidate for limited “faster” cosmetic orthodontics.
To Schedule an appointment with Singer Orthodontics please call (954) 75-SMILE
“Broward’s Most Experienced Board -Certified Orthodontist”
Creating Smiles that are A Work of Art
5481 N University Drive, Coral Springs
954-75-SMILE