Metal Braces Metal braces are the most common. They are made of high grade stainless steel. Today's braces are much smaller and more comfortable. Therefore they are much more attractive. Most of the patients like to dress up the braces with different color elastics that can be changed at each appointment. Multiple colors are available. Ceramic Braces Ceramic braces are a translucent tooth colored (clear) material. They are most popular with the adult patients. They are difficult to see on the teeth unless you are very close to the patient. The only draw back to the bracket is that they are more fragile and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits. Our office uses a ceramic bracket called Clarity™ . Wear Clarity and you'll have a lot to smile about. A comfortable design. An attractive, translucent appearance. And perhaps best of all, the self-confidence that comes from wearing braces that look as good as they perform. Unlike traditional metal braces, you won't have to worry about flashing a "tin grin" every time you smile. You'll feel better about yourself knowing that the natural beauty of your teeth is shining through, and not your braces. Clarity™ Braces won't stain or discolor. They'll look as good the day they come off as the day your orthodontist put them on. Clarity™ Braces will stay securely in place throughout your treatment. And the metal-lined slot allows for faster treatment. Smooth, sculptured and translucent, Clarity™ Braces are clearly the ultimate fashion accessory in orthodontic wear. Retainers Some minor orthodontic problems can be corrected with retainers. Retainers can be used on the upper and/or lower teeth. Herbst Appliance One of the most common problems orthodontics treat is the discrepancy that occurs when the upper teeth protrude beyond the lower. Ordinarily when we see a patient with the upper teeth protruding, we tend to think that the upper jaw and teeth are too far forward; but, more often than not, this condition is due to a small lower jaw that is further back than it should be. With these patients, we would like to encourage the lower jaw to catch up in growth, and braces like the Herbst appliance help this happen. At first, your mouth will feel unusually full and speaking will be awkward. But if you practice reading aloud, your ordinary speech will return quickly. You may also notice more saliva than normal, but this will decrease as you become accustomed to the appliance. Even though the Herbst appliance prevents the lower jaw from moving backward, opening and closing movement still occur easily and patients do not have any problems learning to chew their food with their lower jaw in this new position. As with all kinds of braces patients with Herbst appliances need to be careful about what they eat. For instance, cold foods such as ice slushes, popsicles, and ice will freeze the cement and make the brace loosen. Sticky foods such as caramels, bubble gum, and candy suckers will pull the brace away from the teeth. Hard foods like crisp vegetables and hard candies will bend and loosen the Herbst appliance too. So stay away from these foods during your orthodontic treatment. Your Herbst appliance will be checked and adjusted at your appointments. If sometimes between appointments you develop some sore areas on the inside of your cheeks, please do not try to adjust the appliance yourself. Call for an appointment so that the necessary adjustments can be made.