Alternatives to Metal Braces

a little girl holding her cheek to express dental discomfort

Alternatives to Traditional Braces

Alternatives to Metal Braces

When you hear the words “orthodontic treatment,” we’ll be we know what you picture – a smiling mouth with a lattice of metal brackets and wires attached to the front of the teeth. These are traditional metal braces, and they’re they oldest treatment in orthodontics. Even though they’ve been around for over 100 years, metal braces are still one of the most popular treatments we offer and provide an effective, cost-efficient way to treat almost any malocclusion. But make no mistake: they’re no longer the only option!

Alternatives to Braces in Chapel Hill

Thanks to advancements in orthodontic technology, metal braces are far from the only option for patients seeking orthodontic treatment today. Modern orthodontics offers a plethora of treatment options, some similar to metal braces with a few improvements and others fundamentally different. At Clifton & Mauney, we know every child and every smile is different and special – so we offer a variety of treatments to suit our patients’ unique orthodontic needs. When you or your child receives treatment with us, you’ll get all of the following options in addition to metal braces:

  • Clear Braces: While these use the same mechanism to move teeth as metal braces, they have one clear difference – instead of stainless steel, the brackets are made from a clear ceramic composite material. This means they blend in with teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing treatment option without sacrificing functionality.
  • Damon Clear: While Damon Clear braces are similar to regular braces in their look and feel, they’re different in important ways. Damon Clear brackets are also made from a clear composite, but they use special “self-ligating,” or tie-less, technology, which means that the brackets can slide freely along the archwire during treatment. This allows for more efficient tooth movement, helping to provide a more comfortable treatment experience and cut treatment times by up to half! For a comfortable, expedited, and discreet treatment, Damon Clear brackets are hard to beat.
  • Invisalign: For a fundamentally different option, Invisalign offers an exciting alternative to braces. Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten the teeth. The aligners are virtually invisible when worn and easy to pop in and out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing – so no one has to know you’re straightening your teeth, you can still enjoy your favorite foods, and maintaining oral hygiene is a breeze! These are all major advantages for adults, teens, and children alike – and there’s even a specialized treatment called Invisalign Teen that’s designed specifically for the teenage lifestyle.

Get Your Invisalign Or Clear Braces In Chapel Hill

Whether it’s time for your child’s first orthodontic appointment or you’re considering revitalizing your own smile, Clifton & Mauney is here to help you and your whole family achieve the smile of your dreams. We’re proud to provide high-quality braces and Invisalign treatment to children, teens, and adults throughout the Chapel Hill area, and if you’d like to discuss how orthodontic treatment could benefit you or your child, we would love to talk with you. Feel free to call us at 919-933-1007 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions, talk over your potential options, and give you all the information you need. Or, if you’d like to come in for a consultation, just reach out to us at our contact page or request an appointment online at our Chapel Hill office. We can’t wait to hear from you, and we’re excited to help you revolutionize your smile!