The Different Types of Braces

Orthodontic treatment from Grubaugh Orthodontics has never been easier, more comfortable, or more accurate. With modern technology that works for your unique needs, Dr. Grubaugh can skillfully shape your smile in no time. The best part is that we offer four different types of braces for you to choose from, so you can feel confident that your treatment plan is designed just for you. 

If you’re considering getting braces, keep reading to learn more about the different options we offer and why braces are right for you. 

Orthodontic Treatment Benefits

Braces and clear aligners are excellent options for people of any age, condition, or background. Our doctors will assess your unique orthodontic condition at your first consultation and determine whether you’re a good fit for braces.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children attend their first orthodontic appointment at the age of seven, but about one in every five of our patients are adults. Anyone of any age can benefit from braces. Braces are a great way to treat conditions like: 

  • Protruding teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Impacted teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Overbites 
  • Underbites
  • Crossbites

With a wide variety of treatment methods and the skills to put them to work, our team at Grubaugh Orthodontics can correct any of the above issues so you can feel confident in your smile. 

What Is the Difference Between Fixed vs. Removable Appliances?

Dr. Grubaugh offers two categories of treatment options: fixed and removable appliances. Fixed appliances like metal braces, clear braces, and InBrace Hidden Treatment are attached to your teeth and cannot be removed until your treatment is complete. Removable devices like Invisalign’s clear aligner system are worn for 20-22 hours daily and can be removed easily for meals, sports, or brushing your teeth. 

Aside from the obvious differences, Invisalign removable aligners are best for treating mild to moderate orthodontic problems. Our doctors usually recommend fixed appliances for more severe and comprehensive issues. 

The Different Types of Braces

Your Treatment Options

At Grubaugh Orthodontics, we offer four treatment options for patients of all ages. You can choose between metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, or Insignia custom braces to achieve your best smile. 

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics. These orthodontic workhouses have a long history of successful treatment and are great at correcting many oral issues. 

In the past, metal braces may have been awkward and obvious, but modern metal braces are much smaller, more discreet, and more comfortable than ever. Using a system of brackets and wires, our doctors straighten your teeth by adjusting the connective wire over time.  These adjustments typically occur every six to eight weeks and help shift your teeth in line for the perfect smile. 

Metal braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments, potentially shortening treatment time. Treatment time depends on the severity of your condition but typically ranges from 12-36 months. 

They’re also the most cost-effective option because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces make them our most popular treatment plan year after year. 

Clear Braces

Clear braces are also called ceramic or aesthetic braces and work the same way as metal braces. Designed to provide patients with a more subtle treatment option, clear braces use white brackets that blend in with your teeth for a less noticeable effect. 

Most patients’ biggest concern is staining. The ceramic material doesn’t stain, but the glue beneath the bracket might, so some patients avoid certain foods. However, if you maintain a good oral hygiene routine, you shouldn’t have to worry about staining. 

Many of our patients choose clear braces over traditional metal braces because they provide the best of both worlds. Clear braces are both a durable treatment plan that works for all orthodontic conditions and a more aesthetic option. Clear braces are an excellent choice for older teens or adults to meet all your orthodontic needs. 

Fortunately, at Grubaugh Orthodontics, you can get clear braces for the same price as metal braces!

Invisalign

Straightening your teeth with Invisalign can be a great option if you want the least noticeable treatment. Using a series of customized clear aligner trays, Invisalign straightens your smile without the bulky brackets and wires of traditional metal or clear braces. 

As our most flexible treatment option, Invisalign allows you to straighten your teeth without changing your diet or oral hygiene routine like with metal braces. We offer Invisalign for children, teens, and adults alike. 

Invisalign Teen: Made just for teens, these clear aligner trays make it easy to straighten teeth discreetly and effectively. They come with special buttons on the back of the trays that change color when your teen wears them for the appropriate amount of time. This helps Dr. Grubaugh ensure they’re keeping up with their treatment plan.

Insignia Custom Braces

If you’re looking for a treatment plan that is tailor-made to meet your exact needs, Insignia custom braces might be for you. This technologically advanced treatment option uses a computerized system that maps out your treatment plan from start to finish before Dr. Grubaugh even applies your braces. 

Using a system of brackets and wires, Insignia works with your specific dental anatomy to give you the results you’ll love. You’ll enjoy fewer office visits and greater comfort with these braces, so orthodontic treatment will be a breeze. 

The Different Types of Braces

Grubaugh Orthodontics: Making Smiles Happen

Our team at Grubaugh Orthodontics is always ready to make you smile. We offer four treatment options for patients of all ages so you or your child can enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile. 

With two locations in Dewitt and Lansing, you’re always a few blocks away from the treatment you deserve. If you’re ready to get started, schedule your free consultation with Dr. Grubaugh to find out which treatment plan is right for you!