Braces & Appliances

Metal Braces

Metal BracesTraditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Ceramic (Clear) Braces

Ceramic BracesCeramic braces, the elite of aesthetic braces, are made of clear materials and are, therefore, less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns.

Invisalign® (Invisible) Orthodontic Appliances

Invisalign®Invisalign® uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. Since they are removable, you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus, brushing and flossing are less of a hassle.

In order to perform properly, they must be worn a minimum of 19 hours. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment (www.invisalign.com). Treatment time varies anywhere between 11 – 24 months.

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)

Temporary Anchorage DevicesOne of the newest innovations to become available in orthodontics involves the use of Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) to move teeth.

TADs are small screw like attachments that are placed directly into the bone to provide absolute anchorage for tooth movement. These are usually placed using a very small amount of local anesthesia, (about a quarter of what you get for a simple filling).

The procedure usually takes a couple of minutes to complete and is well-tolerated by patients.

TADs are used in situations where very difficult tooth movements are required, or in situations that would otherwise require surgery.

 

Interested in orthodontic treatment? Contact us below to schedule an evaluation.

Visit any of our convenient Pittsburgh locations:

Moon Township

974 Beaver Grade Road
(412) 741-7700

Mt. Lebanon

750 Washington Road
(412) 563-5800

Pleasant Hills

850 Clairton Blvd.
(412) 469-9550

Scottdale

415 North Chestnut St.
(724) 887-0466

Shadyside

5750 Centre Ave.
(412) 682-1373