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.
Clear Braces (Radiance Brackets)
Clear braces are made of clear sapphire and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, clear 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 clear braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, clear braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.
Gold Braces (Iconix Braces)
Gold braces are similar to traditional metal braces. Like traditional metal braces, gold braces are made of stainless steel; however, they are uniquely coated in gold. The gold coating may be considered a more cosmetic option than traditional metal braces. And, the cost of gold braces is surprisingly comparable to most clear braces.