All orthodontic treatments work through the same basic process: applying gentle, consistent pressure to gradually move the teeth and jaws into proper alignment—what’s known as occlusion. Over time, this pressure reshapes the surrounding bone and gum tissue, guiding new bone growth into place.
Most treatments fall into one of two categories:
Braces, which use fixed metal brackets and wires
Clear aligners like Invisalign®, which are removable trays that gradually shift teeth into position
Traditional metal braces use stainless steel brackets and wires to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. Each bracket is bonded to the tooth with a special adhesive, and a metal wire—called an archwire—is threaded through the brackets. Tiny rubber bands, known as o-rings or ligatures, hold the wire in place.
As treatment progresses, the archwire is periodically adjusted to guide tooth movement. Round wires are typically used in the early stages for initial alignment, while rectangular wires help fine-tune positioning later on. For added force, small rubber bands called elastics can be attached to the brackets to apply extra pressure to specific teeth or areas of the mouth.
Ceramic braces work just like traditional metal braces but with one key difference—they use tooth-colored brackets made of ceramic or porcelain instead of shiny metal. This makes them much less noticeable, offering a more discreet way to straighten your smile.
Unlike traditional braces that use rubber bands (ligatures) to hold the wire in place, self-ligating braces use a built-in sliding mechanism. This allows the wire to move more freely within the brackets, reducing friction and allowing for gentler, more comfortable tooth movement. Because there are no ligatures to replace, self-ligating braces are easier to keep clean and often require fewer office visits—typically every 8 to 12 weeks.
At Dental Depot, we offer Damon Clear, a self-ligating system with clear, stain-resistant brackets made from polycrystalline alumina (PCA). The Damon system uses advanced passive technology to apply lighter, more efficient pressure—no elastics required—for a discreet and comfortable orthodontic experience.
Invisalign® is a popular brand of clear aligners—removable, custom-made trays designed to gradually straighten your teeth. Using a 3D digital scan of your mouth, your orthodontist creates a personalized treatment plan. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before moving to the next in the series, shifting your teeth little by little until they reach the desired position.
Clear aligners are discreet, comfortable, and can be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing. However, for the best results, they should be worn at least 23 hours a day. Because the aligners are removable, success relies heavily on patient commitment to wearing and switching them out as directed. The total number of aligners needed will depend on your specific case and how closely you follow the treatment plan.
Dental Depot is a certified Invisalign® provider, offering expert guidance every step of the way.
No matter which orthodontic treatment you choose, your orthodontist will likely recommend a retainer to help maintain your results. Retainers keep your teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone finishes reshaping and stabilizing.
Removable retainers are clear, custom-molded trays made from a thin, flexible plastic.
Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded to the back of your teeth for long-term support.
Both options are designed to protect your new smile and prevent teeth from shifting back over time.
To explore your orthodontic treatment options or schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced orthodontists, find a Dental Depot Orthodontic location near you!
