Types of Braces - Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Types of Braces

At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer several types of braces to evenly straighten teeth and help correct bite problems, which can ultimately provide you with a more beautiful smile. Dr. T.C. Hardy, who specializes in orthodontic treatments for children, teenagers and adults, uses several different types of braces to help you achieve your cosmetic goals, including:

 

Clear Braces

As opposed to traditional braces, clear braces use ceramic brackets that are made to match the color of your teeth. As a result, your clear braces will be more discreet than the traditional system of metal wires and brackets. In addition, the ceramic brackets used in the treatment are stain resistant, helping to ensure that your smile looks its best while you are straightening your teeth. For patients that want to add a pop of color to their clear braces, the ceramic brackets can be paired with a vast array of colored bands to make any smile unique.

 

Invisalign®

As an alternative to braces that use wires and brackets, Invisalign® straightens teeth using clear and removable aligners, making these orthodontic treatments virtually invisible to others. Using a system of progressive, custom-fit aligners, the patient’s teeth are gently moved into their ideal position. This method allows patients to eat, drink and clean their teeth with ease. Additionally, most patients achieve their cosmetic goals within 12 months. During the consultation process, Dr. Hardy will help you decide which treatment will best meet your individual needs.

 

Invisalign Teen®

Invisalign Teen® is a version of Invisalign® that is designed for the unique needs of teenagers. Using a system of clear custom-fit aligners, this orthodontic method of correcting crooked and unevenly spaced teeth or bite issues allows patients to eat, drink and clean their teeth with ease. Because the aligners are removable, Invisalign Teen® also permits patients to wear mouth guards during sports or remove the appliance while playing an instrument. Our patients at Hardy Orthodontics enjoy the comfort and convenience Invisalign Teen® provides, and they are able to achieve straighter teeth and a more beautiful smile with minimal impact to their daily lives.

 

Incognito:  Lingual Braces

Incognito braces offer yet another way to receive the benefits of orthodontic treatment, but with a discreetness that some prefer. The bracket bases are contoured to hug the lingual (tongue-side) surfaces of your teeth rendering them invisible to the naked eye from the front when you smile. Lingual braces have the cosmetic advantage of being hidden behind the teeth rather than bonded to the front. As an alternative to traditional braces, lingual braces can achieve the same effective result with a nearly undetectable appearance during treatment. Athletes, musicians who play wind instruments, and patients who are not candidates for Invisalign®, but wish to attain more discreet orthodontic treatment, may be excellent candidates for lingual braces.

 

Short-Term Braces

The goal of short-term braces is to align the front six teeth with no adjustment to the occlusion (bite). If this is your main goal in orthodontic treatment, and you want to have treatment completed in a short amount of time, our experienced orthodontist can evaluate your needs and determine whether short-term braces can help you meet your goals. Please contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your options with Dr. Hardy.

 

Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Types of Braces

If you have more questions about the types of braces offered by Dr. Hardy or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our office today.