This information will help you understand the trade-offs between the various treatment options. Dr. Randolph will discuss which options are most appropriate for your situation.

• Traditional Braces: Use brackets, high-tech wires, and elastomeric or metal ties.
• High-tech Braces: Use the Damon System of metal brackets that have metal doors. Dr. Randolph uses them in conjunction with super-elastic high-tech wires.
• D3: These brackets have a metal door, but the balance of the bracket is tooth colored. The D3 uses the Damon System and high-tech wires.
• Inspire Ice™: Clear ceramic bracket. They can be used with high-tech wires.
• Invisalign®: Clear aligners.

• Speed: High-tech braces move teeth more gently, yet faster.
• Aesthetics: Invisalign® and Ice™ are the least noticeable treatment options.
• Convenience: Frequency of office visits varies by type of braces:
  • Every 8-10 weeks for High-tech braces, D3 and Invisalign®.
  • Every 6-8 weeks for traditional braces with the colored elastomeric ties.
  • Every 4-5 weeks for Ice™ with clear alastic ties.
• Comfort: Traditional braces and elastic or metal ties, transfer more force from the archwire to the teeth and are therefore less comfortable.
• Durability: D3 and Inspire Ice are more fragile than metal braces.
• Ability to address severe orthodontic problems: Invisalign® is not appropriate for severe orthodontic problems.
• Cost: D3, Invisalign®, and Ice™ are more expensive than full metal braces.