Your Complete Guide to Orthodontic Braces: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Smile

Metal braces have been the most popular and effective treatment for correcting crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and other bite issues for many years. However, with advancements in orthodontic technology, several metal braces offer varying benefits and drawbacks. Let's look at metal braces, as well as ceramic braces, to help you determine which one is right for you.

Metal (Titanium) Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and consist of metal brackets attached to the teeth and connected by archwires. Our brackets are titanium and held in place using dental composite. Titanium has an added advantage in that they are often considered to be more flexible than traditional stainless steel braces.Titanium braces are an alternative to traditional metal braces because they are lightweight,strong and are nickel-free.  In addition, they are made from a more biocompatible material that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than stainless steel (which contains nickel) metal braces. 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nickel is the most common metal allergen, affecting about 18% of women and 6% of men in the United States. On the other hand, titanium allergies are much less common, affecting less than 1% of the general population. Island Orthodontics offers the advantages of titanium brackets for no additional charge.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are similar to traditional metal braces but use a different mechanism to hold the archwires in place. Instead of using elastic ties to hold the wire in place, self-ligating braces use a clip or door mechanism. This can reduce the pressure placed on the teeth, resulting in less discomfort for the patient. Unfortunately, not all orthodontists offer self-ligating brackets, so finding a provider who offers this type of treatment can be difficult.


Self-ligating braces also require fewer adjustments than traditional braces, which can mean fewer office visits for the patient. This can be a convenient option for patients with busy schedules or who live far away from their orthodontist's office. In addition, self-ligating brackets are easier to clean and maintain good oral hygiene without elastic or metal ties.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces, but the brackets are made of clear or tooth-colored ceramic material. This makes them less noticeable than traditional braces, which can appeal to patients concerned about their appearance.

Ceramic braces are also typically more comfortable than traditional braces, as they do not irritate the gums or cause as much discomfort as metal braces. Island Orthodontics offers ceramic braces for adult patients at an additional charge.

Gold Braces

Gold braces have several pros and cons to consider. On the positive side, gold braces are considered to be more aesthetically pleasing by some than traditional metal braces due to their gold coating. They are also durable and hypoallergenic, making them comfortable for those allergic to nickel. In addition, they are generally smoother and cause less irritation to the gums and cheeks. Island Orthodontics offers Gold braces at no additional charge for those preferring the aesthetics of gold over silver.

Choosing the Right Type of Braces

In conclusion, metal braces are an effective solution for correcting various orthodontic issues. With advancements in orthodontic technology, several types of metal braces are now available, including traditional metal braces, self-ligating braces, ceramic braces, titanium braces, and gold braces. It can be difficult to know which one is right for you. However, you can decide which braces best fit you by considering your orthodontic needs, personal preferences, and budget. Whether you choose traditional metal braces or a more discreet option, braces can help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile. Call Island Ortho today to determine which type of braces are right for you.