Metal braces are the most common type. They are made of high-grade stainless steel. Today's metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive than ever before. Most of our younger patients prefer the metal braces and love to decorate them with all different colors. Clear braces are made of translucent (clear) material. There are many different kinds of clear braces. Unfortunately, many orthodontists (in an effort to save money) like to use lower quality plastic braces that tend to wear out and change color over time. In our office we use only the highest quality ceramic brackets that never discolor and are nearly as durable and low-profile as the metal braces. Because of their nearly invisible appearance, these braces are very popular with most of our adult patients, and look very similar to a retainer when worn. Although most patients choose to have clear ties on their ceramic braces, some of our more daring patients still like to occasionally go with colors, which is just fine with us! In recent years, a shift has occurred in orthodontics where children are being seen at much younger ages (7yrs to 11yrs) while the children still have many baby teeth present. The main reason for seeing children at this time is because this is the time kids are growing the most. And as a specialist not only in Orthodontics, but in Facial Orthopedics as well, Doctor Wright is specially trained to know how to use children's natural growth and development to their advantage. At earlier ages, faces and jaw structures can be modified as needed through specialized orthodontic techniques designed to increase the width of the dental arches, increase the size of the upper and lower jaws, and correct habits that can be detrimental to the normal, esthetic development of the growing face.