Braces have come a long way. Gone are the days of clunky metal and awkward headgear (thank goodness!). Now, they’re sleeker, smarter, and designed to fit your life—not the other way around. At Designer Smiles by Benton, we’ve got you covered with options that are comfortable, effective, and stylish.
What Are Braces?
Orthodontic braces are everywhere—they’re on Darla in Finding Nemo and Eliza in The Wild Thornberrys and on many children, teens, and even adults in everyday life. You’re confident you’d recognize them if someone showed you a picture. But if someone asked you to define or explain what they are and their different parts, could you? Most people know what braces look like, but understanding how they actually work is a whole other story—and knowing the basics can give you valuable insight when you’re exploring and choosing between the different types of braces available.
Braces are carefully designed systems that use controlled pressure to move your teeth. They start with the brackets, the small pieces bonded directly to each tooth. Brackets act as anchors and guideposts for your treatment. Connecting the brackets is the archwire, a thin, flexible wire called an archwire. This archwire is what does most of the heavy lifting in teeth movement. It applies the gentle pressure that causes your teeth to move into new positions over time.
This system can treat all kinds of smile concerns, including overbites, crowding, spacing, gummy smiles, crossbites, spacing, and more!
Braces Options At Designer Smiles By Benton
Braces have a simple design at their core—brackets, wires, and sometimes ligatures or elastics work together to move your teeth. But even with such a straightforward concept, there’s room for innovation and personalization. Different materials, technologies, and features can make braces more comfortable, less noticeable, and even faster at creating results. We’re proud to offer three advanced types of braces at Designer Smiles by Benton: Damon metal braces, Damon clear braces, and LightForce braces.
Damon Metal Braces
Damon metal braces are a sleek, modern version of traditional braces that are designed with comfort and efficiency in mind. What makes them stand out from other options on the market is their self-ligating system, which uses small clips instead of colorful elastic bands (ligatures) to hold the wire in place. Ditching the ligatures results in a more comfortable Damon braces experience and fewer adjustments needed during treatment! (Bonus benefit: Without rubber bands trapping food, these braces are also easier to keep clean, promoting healthier teeth and gums.)
Damon braces also feature shape-memory wires that gently and continuously guide your teeth into the right position. This technology often leads to faster treatment times compared to traditional braces. Even better, Damon braces are designed to create a fuller, more natural smile—known as the “Damon Smile”—without relying as much on tooth extractions or palate expanders.
Unlike other industries (looking at you, car makers!), all these upgrades and tech don’t make Damon braces more likely to break or need repairs. They’re just as durable and versatile as the braces of old, making them perfect for patients of all ages.
Damon Clear Braces
Damon clear braces work just like Damon metal braces, with the same advanced features and benefits—but with one big difference. Instead of shiny metal brackets, these braces use clear brackets that blend in with your teeth, making them much less noticeable. And because they’re also self-ligating, you won’t have to deal with any staining or discoloration that often happens with traditional clear rubber bands. Your braces stay clean and clear between appointments so you can go about your day confidently, knowing your treatment isn’t drawing unnecessary attention. You can still drink your favorite coffee and eat red pasta sauce!
Clear braces are an excellent option for anyone who wants an effective orthodontic solution with a lower profile. Teens who might feel self-conscious about wearing braces at school and adults who wish to maintain a professional, polished look often prefer Damon clear braces.
LightForce Braces
LightForce clear braces take the idea of traditional braces and crank up the cool factor. These aren’t your standard, one-size-fits-all brackets. Nope—LightForce uses fancy 3D printing technology to create custom-made brackets for your teeth. Having braces made just for you makes them more comfortable to wear and helps your teeth move exactly the way they need to, meaning your treatment could be faster and more precise than if you had other braces. (Bonus benefit: It also reduces your risk of brackets dislodging from the teeth and treatment complications.)
And let’s talk about their aesthetics—because if 3D printers can make houses and jewelry, why should you settle for 3D printed braces that don’t look good? LightForce braces stay looking fresh and subtle throughout your treatment, giving you all the benefits of traditional braces without the metal-heavy appearance. The brackets come in two shades—cloud and light—so your orthodontist can match them to your tooth color for a more seamless look. They’re then paired with stain-resistant bands, so you won’t have to worry about discoloration from coffee, tea, or your favorite snacks.
LightForce braces sure do make a strong case for being the coolest kid on the orthodontic block, don’t they?
Design Your Perfect Treatment Plan With Designer Smiles By Benton!
Choosing the right braces is an important step toward achieving your dream smile, and at Designer Smiles by Benton, we’re here to make that decision easier. Our offices in Oxford and Pell City offer a variety of advanced options to match your unique needs and goals. We’ll help you find the perfect fit for your treatment plan, whether it’s durability, discretion, or personalization. Let’s work together to design a smile you’ll love for a lifetime—contact us today to get started with a free consultation!