Types of Braces

Braces In New Orleans & Metairie, LA

At Murphy Orthodontics, we have a range of types of braces for our patients to choose from. Our selection includes affordable options for your child or yourself — you’re never too old to get the beautiful smile you always dreamed of having. 

Murphy Orthodontics is your partner in orthodontic treatment, and we’re happy to help you sort through your choices and determine the best type of braces for your needs and lifestyle. We provide a range of braces, including traditional metal ones, to straighten your teeth and give you a healthy bite.

What Are Traditional Metal Braces?

Most people are familiar with traditional metal braces, as these devices have been around for decades. They consist of metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth, with each bracket connected by an archwire. Metal braces were one of the first orthodontic devices used to straighten teeth, but they have undergone slight changes over the years. 

The brackets are less intrusive now, and many orthodontists, including Murphy Orthodontics, provide fun colored rubber bands for holding the archwire in position. 

You can get clear braces or metal braces with every color of the rainbow! With advances in technology, brackets are smaller and slimmer than ever, making braces comfortable. Metal braces can treat a range of conditions, including: 

• Tooth gaps.
• Protruding or misaligned teeth.
• Under- and overbites.
• Crossbites.
• Overcrowding.

How Do Metal Braces Move My Teeth?

The teeth move based on the positioning and tightening of the archwire. At each monthly appointment, the orthodontist adjusts the archwire to move your teeth into place. Front teeth tend to be easier to move because they have a single root. The back teeth, which have multiple roots, act as the anchors for the archwire and are more difficult to shift. 

The teeth move based on the positioning and tightening of the archwire. At each monthly appointment, the orthodontist adjusts the archwire to move your teeth into place. Front teeth tend to be easier to move because they have a single root. The back teeth, which have multiple roots, act as the anchors for the archwire and are more difficult to shift. 

Looking for Something Different? We Have Champagne Gold-Colored Braces

Wearing metal braces may be a traditional choice, but it doesn’t have to mean traditional in every way. Murphy Orthodontics offers champagne gold-colored braces that make a statement and add some fun to your look. 

Champagne gold-colored braces work the same as traditional metal braces. The process for moving your teeth is identical. They are just as effective and efficient as the other types of braces, but they look more elegant and tend to draw attention.

The Advantages of Metal Braces

We believe you make the best decisions when you have all the information. Why are metal braces a good choice for you or your child? If cost is a factor in your decision, these braces may be the right choice, as they generally cost less than some other types of orthodontic treatment. The braces’ price includes appointments for adjustments and any additional consultations you need for the best orthodontic care. 

By choosing Murphy Orthodontics, you also gain a flexible partner as you pursue a healthy smile. We offer low down payments as well as in-house financing, making our metal braces more affordable. Talk to us about your financial options, and you may find you can get your child the braces they need even sooner than you expected. 

In addition to cost savings, other advantages of choosing metal braces include: 

• Effective treatment to obtain a healthy smile: Metal braces can address any issues with your teeth and work quickly to create a smile you can display proudly for the rest of your life. 
• Variety of colors: Your children can show off their unique personalities by picking their favorite colors. 
• Exceptional durability: Metal braces are made to withstand the force of a chewing jaw. The brackets are bonded tightly, so you don’t have to worry that they will fall off during a rigorous soccer game or other high-impact activity.
• Constant treatment: Because traditional braces stay in your mouth, with no option for removal, you know they provide continual improvements. You can also gauge how long treatment will take since you won’t remove your braces for any reason.

Clear Braces

There are many ways to get a beautiful smile today. One of the options for many patients is ceramic braces, which are also known as tooth-colored braces or aesthetic braces. If you need to straighten your teeth or align your bite with orthodontic cases, ceramic braces might be a good option to explore.

Dr. Craig Murphy and the staff at Murphy Orthodontics have helped many patients enjoy bright, beautiful smiles with aesthetic braces in New Orleans. Our practice has the latest orthodontic treatments and our team treats every patient like family.

Ceramic Braces In New Orleans & Metairie, LA

Aesthetic braces work the same way as metal or traditional ones, but they are made from polycrystalline ceramic, which is made to match the color of your teeth. As a result, they are less noticeable than traditional braces. These braces also use tooth-colored elastics and wires, so everything blends in, especially in photos.

Unlike Invisalign, ceramic braces still have brackets — so they can still be seen. They also do not need to be removed the way Invisalign needs to be, and you don’t need to think about wear times. Your aesthetic braces simply keep working around the clock, beautifying your smile. Clear braces can also work faster than Invisalign.

Advantages of Clear Braces

Tooth-colored braces in New Orleans offer several benefits:

The appearance of ceramic braces is less noticeable. While they are still visible, especially up close, there is no contrast in color between the color of the braces and the color of your teeth. At a distance, and even in photos, your braces may not be visible very much or at all.

Aesthetic braces can boost confidence. Braces can correct a variety of common issues, such as crooked teeth, large gaps, overcrowded teeth, overjets, overbites, underbites and jaw misalignment. While you are wearing them, though, you don’t want your braces to be the first thing people see when they look at you. Since clear braces are tooth-colored, they let you smile with confidence.

Clear braces are great for older teens or adults. Teenagers can feel awkward about having traditional braces, which are highly visible, especially if they’re on social media or applying for their first job. Any adult who is in a customer-facing or public position may also feel self-conscious about braces that call attention to themselves. For anyone who doesn’t want noticeable braces, ceramic braces can be a great choice.

Ceramic braces can be stylish. While most patients who choose clear braces also choose clear elastics and wires, some people select colored ligature ties instead. The color can bounce off the brackets creating an unusual neon look. While tooth-colored brackets are most common, ceramic brackets do give you color choices.

Aesthetic braces are made of ceramic. Some patients just prefer ceramic. In some cases, clear braces also interfere with some imaging tests less because there is less metal involved.

When you come to Murphy Orthodontics, you receive the best care and friendliest service. Our welcoming environment can make a difference for kids who feel nervous about getting braces or adults with anxiety about dental offices. We welcome everyone with a smile and make you feel comfortable. 

At Murphy Orthodontics, we offer SAME DAY braces for our patients who are ready to begin their journey!