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Types of Orthodontic Treatment Traditional Braces (Metal vs. Ceramic Braces) While you may have this image from decades ago that braces mean huge chunks of metal cubes and wires in your mouth, you’ll be glad to know that that’s no longer the case. First, you can ask for ceramic braces that are much less visible than the conventional metal braces. Ceramic braces and metal braces work pretty much the same way ? both are made of brackets, which are cube-like attachments that are bonded to the surface of each tooth, and wires, and the orthodontist would periodically adjust the pressure of the wires to promote desirable teeth alignment ? but unlike metal braces, ceramic braces are made of highly translucent materials that blend with the color of your teeth. Second, even if you were to use metal braces, thanks to advance in technology, the size of metal brackets are much smaller than they used to be, which means they are much less visible. In addition, advance in technology in many cases means shorter treatment time, which in turn gives you greater flexibility to schedule a treatment within your desired timeframes. Depending on your particular situation, in addition to braces, your diagnoses may also include teeth removals or other ancillary treatments. Your dentist will design the optimal treatment plan together with you based on his/her expertise and your expectations. Early (Phase 1) or Interceptive Orthodontics Treatment While most children may start braces around age 10 to 12 with the full eruption of permanent teeth, some children may need to initiate Phase 1 or interceptive orthodontic treatment to correct jaw sizes, underbite, crossbites, etc. This is to ensure that the treatment can be done prior to growth spurt and optimize the treatment result. Examples of early orthodontic appliances include activator/bionator, twin block, palatal expander, headgear, facemask (reverse headgear), and braces on selective teeth. Alternatives to Traditional Braces (Invisalign®) Besides the traditional metal and ceramic braces, there is another product in the United States called Invisalign® which has become increasingly popular among adult patients due to its highly invisible appearance. Invisalign® consists of a series of acrylic aligners (similar to clear retainers) that are custom-made for each individual patient and are created using computer technology that simulate desired teeth movements. Since they are completely transparent in color, its almost impossible to tell that a person is wearing Invisalign®. However, due to different technology, Invisalign® is offered only by Invisalign®-certified provider and it is the best to consult the orthodontist for details.