Types of Braces in Lakeville, MN

When it comes to getting braces, there are several different choices that you can choose from. At Orthodontic Specialists, P.A., we are proud to offer a wide range of types of braces in Eagan, Lakeville and Prior Lake, Minnesota, to help you find the right treatment. If you are interested in being treated with braces, we welcome you to call our practice at 952-469-6760 and schedule a consultation with our talented orthodontist.

Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common type of braces used in our office. They are made of high-grade stainless steel. Today’s braces are much smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive. Most of the patients like to dress up their braces with different colored elastics that can be changed at each appointment to match your mood, a school event, or the season of the year.

Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are a translucent, tooth-colored (clear) material. They are most popular with adult patients. They are difficult to see on the teeth unless you are very close to the patient. The only drawback to ceramic brackets is that they are more fragile, and that the clear elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.

Self-Ligating Brackets
These brackets, which are made of stainless steel, incorporate an interactive “smart” clip. This new technology has less friction and allows for more efficient and comfortable tooth movement. Using this type bracket may reduce overall treatment time. Plus, self-ligating brackets can last longer between appointments, which can result in a lower number of appointments (office visits) during your treatment.

Red, White, and Blue Orthodontic Aligners
This treatment provides an option to patients who want to straighten their front teeth without having to wear braces. These aligners are intended to correct minor rotations and spacing problems by using a series of three active appliances. Made of clear, lightweight plastic, each aligner coaches movement in small, incremental movements. They are comfortable to wear and easy to talk with. Most patients wear each aligner for four to six weeks, transitioning from red to white to blue.

Invisalign®
Invisalign is a new system available for adults who require orthodontic correction for some bite problems. The Invisalign system is a series of clear overlay templates (called aligners) that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. This system is available to adult patients with certain orthodontic bite problems. Please ask us if you are a candidate for Invisalign. We are an Invisalign-certified provider.