Jensen Orthodontic Arts is proud to present our comprehensive guide to different types of braces. Dr. Jensen and our McKinney team offer metal braces, clear braces, and lingual braces. We have clear aligners too, but they’re supporting cast members for this blog. All of our braces treatments will give you a splendid new smile. No question. But they have features that make them different. Which one is best for you? You’ll need to speak to the doctor about that. For now, let’s get an overview of the different kinds of braces our team has.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are what come to mind when anyone mentions “braces.” They’ve earned their place as the centerpiece of orthodontic treatment. They’re forged from stainless steel and made to last a long time. Our McKinney team has seen many smiles — young, old, and in-between —repaired with these superstar metal brackets.
Metallic Mechanics
Our metal braces are made of brackets that Dr. Jensen attaches to your teeth. He connects the brackets with wires. During your treatment, we’ll need to adjust those wires. Why? Well, your teeth can be stubborn. Sometimes, they need a little motivation to keep moving. Braces put tension on your teeth to corral them into alignment. Worried about the hefty bulk in your mouth? No need! Modern metal brackets are small and fit into your mouth very easily.
Who Do Metal Braces Work For?
Metal braces work. Without a doubt. But who’s a good candidate for treatment with metal brackets? They work for all ages but are especially popular with kids and teens. Metal braces can address overcrowding, gaps, overbites, or underbites. Our Jensen Orthodontic Arts team often recommends them for cases where other treatments may not be as effective or practical.
Holding Up Under Pressure
Metal braces are designed to withstand everyday wear and tear. That’s why we use them so often! Regular checkups with our team will help your treatment move along like it should. With proper oral hygiene, metal braces are easy to maintain. While you’ll need to avoid certain sticky or hard foods, their durability means they can handle most of your favorite meals!
Clear Braces
Clear braces offer the same great benefits as metal braces for our McKinney patients. But they have a trick up their sleeve. You might call it a “disappearing act.” Made from ceramic material, these braces blend in with your teeth, so your audience won’t even see them! This makes them popular for older teens and adults who want results without the metallic look.
Invisible Instruments
Clear braces use ceramic brackets that Dr. Jensen bonds to your teeth. The main difference is that the ceramic material is tooth-colored, so the brackets blend in with your smile. Our team will adjust the wires periodically to shift your teeth into new places over time. While clear braces offer a more aesthetic option, they get the job done, as do metal braces. Want more invisibility? Ask us about tooth-colored wires!
Clear Candidates For Treatment
We love Google reviews. But you’re not looking to show your treatment off for views and attention — that defeats the purpose of getting clear braces! We’ve got you! Our ceramic brackets work well for patients who want to reorient their teeth without drawing too much attention to their treatment. They’re really popular with older teens and adults who are conscious about their appearance but still need reliable results. Clear braces could be a great option if you’re looking for the power of braces without the metallic look.
Clear Curb Appeal
The biggest advantage of clear braces is their stealth. They’re not here to steal the spotlight. Instead, our Jensen Orthodontic Arts team uses clear brackets so that your smile is the star of the show. Since you can see through them, people see your teeth and not your braces.
Lingual Braces
Want something even more hidden than clear braces? Ask Dr. Jensen about lingual braces. Our team places your lingual braces behind your teeth. They stay completely out of sight! Lingual braces offer the same superior results as traditional braces but with a more down-low approach.
Behind-The-Teeth Treatment
Lingual braces work like traditional braces. But our McKinney team attaches the brackets and wires on the back (lingual) side of your teeth. This makes them unseen from the front, giving you a less obvious option. As with metal braces, you’ll need to come in for followups so we can adjust them. Remember, your teeth are stubborn. Adjustments keep them moving. With your lingual braces treatment, you’ll have a wonderful new smile!
Lucky Lingual Users
Lingual braces are ideal for adults and older teenagers who want to reposition their teeth without anyone noticing. They are particularly popular with professionals, athletes, and performers who need an invisible treatment option. Our Jensen Orthodontic Arts team often recommends lingual braces if you need a hardworking solution that stays out of the limelight.
Liking Your Lingual Braces
Since lingual braces are situated behind your teeth, they can feel a bit different at first. It may take some time for your tongue to adjust to the braces, but most patients quickly get used to them. With regular checkups, we will monitor your progress and confirm that your treatment is on track.
Brace Yourself For A Great Smile
Jensen Orthodontic Arts can help your smile with metal braces, clear braces, and lingual braces. Our McKinney team is here to tell you everything you’d want to know about braces (and more!). Need more info? Go here to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Jensen.