About Braces

Braces are a proven orthodontic solution designed to straighten teeth, correct bite issues and create healthy, confident smiles for patients of all ages.

Over the years, braces have evolved to become smaller, stronger and more efficient, offering greater comfort than ever before.

Braces consist of brackets attached to the teeth and wires that are adjusted to move them into alignment. While typically placed on the front of the teeth, they can also be positioned behind them (lingual braces) for a discreet option, though not all cases are suited for this approach.

Modern braces come in stainless steel, champagne/gold or clear ceramic varieties, offering both functionality and aesthetic options.

We are proud to use braces from American Orthodontics, made in the United States.

Clear Braces

Cosmetic or clear braces are a perfect combination of efficiency and esthetics.

We use Radiance Plus from American Orthodontics because it is the clearest ceramic twin bracket available, and it is highly resistant to staining over time. We also appreciate the fact that the company is based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and manufactures its orthodontic products, including brackets, in the United States.

Each Radiance Plus bracket is created from a single crystal of pure grown sapphire – one of the hardest materials in nature, second only to diamond. The crystal is honed and heat polished into a strong, smooth and beautiful bracket that is highly translucent, and nearly invisible on the teeth.

Overall, here is how clear braces compare to stainless steel braces:

• ESTHETICS: Appearance is the biggest difference and advantage of the clear/tooth-colored braces over metal braces.
• COST: clear braces are slightly pricier than the traditional metal braces
• COMFORT AND SIZE: While they are visually less prominent, ceramic braces are slightly larger than their metal counterparts. Due to their bigger size, they may be slightly more uncomfortable at the beginning of the treatment, until lips and cheeks get accustomed to the new appliances.
• DURABILITY: Although they are very strong, clear braces are more brittle and can chip and crack easier upon impact. This is why we usually avoid placing them on the lower row of teeth.
• EFFECTIVENESS: In some cases, esthetic braces may be less effective than metal braces due to higher friction between the braces and wires. Certain movements, such space closure or space opening, happen slower with esthetic braces than with metal braces.
• DEBONDING/BRACES REMOVAL: Esthetic braces are harder and more time consuming to remove than metal braces. Metal braces come off in one piece, whereas ceramic brackets may fracture or shatter when they are removed.

At Align Orthodontics, we can show you models of all the different kinds of brackets, answer any questions you may have and determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you are looking for the clearest possible alternative, please do visit our Invisalign® aligner page for more information.

Champagne Colored Braces – Iconix Aesthetic Braces

Iconix Aesthetic champagne-colored brackets truly offer the best of both worlds; the durability of stainless steel and the aesthetics of “white” gold.

In comparison to the clear aesthetic braces, Iconix braces are slightly more visible on your teeth, but are appropriate for any type of malocclusion. Due to the strength of the stainless steel, bracket components do not easily fracture during treatment or braces removal.

Oftentimes, we will combine the esthetics of the sapphire ceramic braces by placing them on the upper teeth, with the strength and durability of champagne stainless-steel braces on the lower teeth. The combination of those two brackets is highly aesthetic, and is appropriate for nearly all orthodontic problems.

Comprehensive Care at Our Office

Our skilled orthodontist and team prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction. We provide detailed instructions on caring for your braces, including maintaining excellent oral hygiene and avoiding certain foods to prevent damage.

Whether you are a teenager or an adult, braces in Poway, California, can help you achieve the straight, healthy smile you desire. Call us at 858-487-0173 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mirna Nguyen and take the first step toward transforming your smile with trusted orthodontic care!

Frequently Asked Questions