Metal and Ceramic Braces

Effective Metal Braces and Ceramic Braces 

Locally owned Wirtz Orthodontics offers a variety of options based on your orthodontic needs and lifestyle, including metal braces and ceramic braces. Together, we will determine what's right for you. Call (708) 564-4286 today for a free consultation.

Adolescent Treatments Offer Double Benefits

During adolescence (age 11-17), orthodontic treatment benefits the total oral health of your growing child. As teens move into adulthood, changes occur to the gums and the bones that support their teeth. By taking action during adolescence, while your child's jaw is still growing, we can achieve positive results that might not be possible once the face and jaw bones have finished developing.

And how about this big bonus: from a psychological point of view, a healthy, good-looking smile can do wonders for a young person's self-esteem when fitting in among their peers and feeling good about themselves is crucial.

Orthodontics: Not Just for Kids Anymore

It's never too late to flash that perfect smile. In fact, 25% of our patients are adults of all ages and all walks of life. This includes adults who needed braces and never had them as a child or had perfect teeth as a kid, but need them now.

Whatever your situation may be, we are here for you. Orthodontic treatment in general not only improves the appearance of your smile, it also promotes healthier teeth and gums. The benefits of undergoing adult orthodontic treatment are many and can include:

• The possibility of avoiding or lessening the degree of gum and bone loss
• Tooth decay
• Enamel loss
• TMJ/TMD pain
  

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces have come a long way in many ways. Still made of high-grade stainless steel, this new generation in braces is less clunky, more comfortable and can even go "glam" when colored elastics are added.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are made of composite materials and they come in varying degrees of transparency. One version takes on the natural color of your teeth, while another option called Clear Ceramic Braces are completely translucent.

Because they are less visible than metal braces, many older teens and adults go the ceramic route for their cosmetic benefits. Since ceramic braces are larger and more brittle than metal braces, they do require more attention to oral hygiene.

That said, ceramic braces are generally used on the top front teeth rather than the lower teeth, which tend to be harder to clean.