During the past few years, orthodontics has undergone much technical advancement. New materials and techniques are now being used to improve the comfort of wearing braces, reduce the treatment time and make braces less noticeable. Here are a few of the advances that can make your visit to the orthodontist a lot easier:

One of the most important advances in orthodontics is the use of brackets instead of bands to move teeth. These tiny brackets are now being used more often by orthodontists because they reduce the "tin grin" that many patients find unappealing.

Another advancement is the use of "Space Age" wires. These, being developed through NASA, are made more resilient and have many benefits for you. They are easier for the orthodontist to apply and require fewer wire replacements which can reduce the number of visits to the office for adjustments.

Braces are now being made less visible and much more common. Clear or tooth colored brackets, the portion of the braces bonded to the teeth, are gaining in popularity because they are less noticeable.

One alternative is Invisalign, a series of invisible retainers worn to move the teeth. This method is typically used in adults and late adolescent patients who have minor concerns.

Braces and retainers can also be used to make a fashion statement and be personalized to fit your lifestyle. Brackets are now available in many colors and combinations. Elastics, the small rubber bands used with braces, also come in all colors from neons to pastels. Wearers can change the color of their elastics to coordinate their outfits and make braces fashionable. Retainers can be made with any color or self-made design using a color chart with several different options to choose from.