Braces in Brooklyn, NY

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces (also called conventional) are not like they used to be. Now, they have a streamlined look, so you won’t have the “metal mouth” look of yesterday. Thus, you can feel confident wearing braces.

Today’s metal braces use a smaller single bracket cemented to the front of each tooth with a special non-toxic adhesive. Later, we will carefully and completely remove the adhesive when your treatment is complete.

Over the years, brackets have improved, and so has the braces’ archwire. Now, the archwire can be heat-activated, using your body temperature to make treatment more efficient and comfortable.

With traditional metal braces, the archwire is secured to the brackets with ligatures. That’s the orthodontic term for the elastics or rubber bands, as most people call them. Generally, people choose elastics that blend in and help braces appear discreet. However, you can now choose elastics in a rainbow of colors.

Colorful Braces 

Today, you can express your personal style by choosing colorful elastics for your braces. Elastics come in a wide range of colors, giving you many options to consider.

Of course, kids love having the option to choose colors, making braces a more enjoyable experience. Also, many teens and adults love having the option too.

When you come in for an adjustment, it’s time to change the elastics. Then, you will have the option to change your color scheme. For many people, it’s fun to consider colors to reflect holidays, sports teams, or your favorite combinations. For others, they may stick with a discreet color to blend in. 

What colors would you wear on your braces?

Clear Ceramic Braces in Brooklyn

Clear ceramic braces are one of the most discreet types of braces.

For anyone who wants discreet orthodontic treatment, clear ceramic may be the answer. Rather than metal brackets, you will wear ceramic that is either clear or matches your tooth color. 

With ceramic braces, the brackets are a little larger and not as durable as metal braces. In some cases, patients may opt to choose clear braces on their upper front teeth, with traditional metal brackets on their lower teeth.

Fortunately, clear braces are resistant to staining, but it may take a little more effort to clean around larger brackets. However, it’s best to avoid foods and drinks that can sometimes stain elastics. 

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen

For anyone considering types of braces, there is a clear alternative.

For Invisalign candidates, you can enjoy a highly discreet, convenient treatment option. Dr. Scantlebury is a certified Invisalign provider who treats teens and adults with aligners.

With the Invisalign SmileView app, you can see what your new smile will look like right now. Today, Invisalign can transform all kinds of smiles and has helped over ten million people worldwide.

Unlike braces, Invisalign is removable. Thus, you can take out your aligners to eat, drink, brush your teeth, and clean your aligners.

One of the best advantages of Invisalign is that you can enjoy all your favorite foods throughout treatment. However, it’s also great to be able to easily brush and floss your teeth, with no wires or brackets to work around.

Even better, no wire or brackets generally means fewer appointments for adjustments or emergencies. Furthermore, the thin SmartTrack material is relatively comfortable, with no wires or brackets to poke or irritate the mouth.

On the other hand, one must wear the aligners for 22 hours every day and keep track of the aligners at all times. In some cases, particularly those that require advanced correction, braces may be recommended. 

To find out if braces or Invisalign are for you, get a free consultation with a top Brooklyn-area orthodontist, Dr. Sophia Scantlebury. Today, you can also start from home with a free virtual consultation.

With orthodontic treatment like braces and Invisalign, you can improve your oral health significantly. Following treatment, you will be proud to show a beautiful, healthy smile for a lifetime!