Braces are made of different parts: a bracket or band that is glued to the tooth, and an arch wire that connects to the bracket or band. It is the arch wire that actually moves the teeth – the brackets or bands are what connect the arch wire and the teeth. Traditionally, the arch wire was connected to the bands or brackets with elastic or metal ligatures. The disadvantage of this system is that the ligatures produced friction between the bracket and the arch wire, slowing tooth movement.

The most modern technology in braces today is self-ligating brackets. In our brackets, the arch wire is held to the bracket by a tiny metal latch built into the bracket. This design lets the teeth slide more easily, with little friction. Teeth move faster, with less discomfort.

Many of our patients still choose to have us place colored ties on their braces – they are very fun and decorative. We can change the colored ties at each visit.

Innovation-R brackets (high-grade stainless steel)
This is the bracket design that the majority of our patients choose.
Click here to see Innovation-R braces.

Innovation-C brackets
Patients who wish to minimize the appearance of braces often choose these brackets for their upper front, or upper and lower front teeth.
Click here to see Innovation -C braces.

Innovation-L brackets
These brackets attach to the backs of the front teeth. They are designed to correct relatively minor alignment problems.
Click here to see Innovation-L braces.