At Kadan Orthodontics, we specialize in five types of braces:
- Traditional Metal Braces
- Ceramic Braces
- Invisible/Clear Braces (Invisalign®)
- Herbst Appliance
The following information provides a brief overview of each type of braces.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces that are used for orthodontic treatments. As patient comfort has become a more recognized barrier for seeking orthodontic treatment, the design of traditional metal braces has evolved. Today’s metal braces are much more comfortable than those that were used in the past.
Advantages — The bands that are used for metal braces come in a variety of colors so that our patients can have braces that reflect their personal style.
Disadvantages — Traditional metal braces are the most noticeable type of braces.
Ceramic Braces
When compared to traditional metal braces, ceramic braces offer our patients a less noticeable option for orthodontic treatment. The braces are made of a special material that Dr. Kadan tints to match your natural tooth color. Ceramic braces do require larger brackets than traditional metal braces, and the ceramic material is easier to damage than the metal used in traditional braces. As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Kadan recommends ceramic braces for adult patients only, and the ceramic components are only used on the front teeth.
Advantages — Ceramic braces are beneficial because they are less noticeable and shorten the amount of time that you have to wear braces.
Disadvantages — When compared to traditional metal braces, ceramic braces are more expensive. The ceramic material requires special care to avoid staining.
Invisible/Clear Braces (Invisalign®)
Dr. Kadan recommends Invisalign® braces for teenagers and adults who want the least noticeable type of braces. The system uses clear aligners that are invisible to most people. The aligners are very comfortable because they are manufactured from scans that are made with the iTero® Element™ system, advanced technology that provides our patients with improved comfort, higher accuracy, and faster results when compared to molds of the teeth.
Advantages — Invisalign® aligners offer several advantages when compared to other types of braces, such as being invisible, removable and comfortable. You also need fewer follow-up visits to see Dr. Kadan because the system uses a series of aligners instead of adjustments by Dr. Kadan.
Disadvantages — The Invisalign® system is not effective for treating more serious or advanced orthodontic problems. The aligners are more expensive than other types of braces, and you may misplace or break the aligners. Treatment time may also be longer with invisible/clear braces.
Herbst Appliance
If your child has an overbite that needs to be corrected by supporting forward-oriented jaw development, Dr. Kadan may recommend the Herbst appliance in conjunction with braces. The device is comprised of metal caps that fit over your child’s molars and a hinged metal tube that connects the upper and lower jaw. The Herbst appliance is often preferred over headgear to provide a more effective treatment protocol and ease of use for your child.
Advantages — The Herbst appliance is more discreet and effective than headgear.
Disadvantages — The Herbst appliance requires about one week for your child to get used to wearing the appliance, and your child may have trouble speaking and eating. The muscles in the mouth may be sore. The expander in the top of the mouth has to be rotated each day for two to three weeks.