Types of Braces

Types of Braces in Mililani

Reviewed by Dr. David Dung, board-certified orthodontist

Thanks to advances in orthodontic technology, Mililani Orthodontics offers more ways than ever to straighten your smile. Whether you’re a parent exploring braces for your keiki or an adult finally ready for treatment, our board-certified orthodontists will help you choose the option that fits your goals, your lifestyle, and your budget, starting with a free exam.

Here are the main types of braces we offer, how they compare, and what to expect.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common and most reliable option, and they’re smaller and more comfortable than ever. Made of high-grade stainless steel, they use brackets and a wire to move teeth precisely, and they handle even complex bite corrections well. Kids and teens love the option of adding colored elastics to personalize their smile. Metal braces are typically the most affordable choice and work for patients of every age.

Ceramic (Clear) Braces

Ceramic braces work just like metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in, making them far less noticeable. They’re a popular choice for teens and adults with aesthetic concerns who still want the predictability of fixed braces. Because the brackets are larger and the clear ties can stain, ceramic braces ask for a little extra attention to brushing and food choices. We’ll show you exactly how to care for them.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign®)

For many teens and adults, Invisalign® clear aligners are the “braceless” path to a straight smile. The aligners are virtually invisible, removable for eating and brushing, and have no metal brackets to irritate your mouth. As a Blue Diamond Invisalign Provider, we bring deep aligner experience to every case, and we also offer Angel Aligners as an additional clear-aligner option. Learn more on our Invisalign and clear aligners page.

How Do Braces Work?

All braces share the same goal: applying gentle, steady pressure to guide teeth into better positions over time. At your first visit, we use comfortable iTero® digital scanning, no goopy impressions, to map your bite and design a plan. Most patients are seen every 8 to 10 weeks for adjustments. Treatment usually takes about 1 to 3 years, depending on the complexity of your case and how closely you follow your plan.

Living With Braces

A few simple habits keep treatment on track:

For the first day or two, stick to soft foods while your teeth settle in.
Foods to avoid with braces: chewy (bagels, licorice), crunchy (popcorn, ice), sticky (caramel, gum), and hard foods (nuts, hard candy) that can break brackets or bend wires.
Brush and floss carefully around brackets to keep teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.

If a bracket or wire ever causes trouble, see our emergency care page. Most issues are easy to manage.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Orthodontist for Braces?

Braces are a once-in-a-lifetime investment, and the result depends on the doctor behind them. Every orthodontist at Mililani Orthodontics is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a credential held by only about one in three orthodontists. Meet our doctors or learn about braces cost and financing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of braces is right for me?

It depends on your goals, your bite, and your lifestyle. Metal braces are durable and affordable; ceramic braces are more discreet; Invisalign is removable and nearly invisible. At your free exam, your orthodontist will recommend the best fit for your smile.

How long does treatment with braces take?

Most braces treatment takes about 1 to 3 years, depending on the complexity of your case. We’ll give you a personalized timeline at your first visit.

Find the Right Braces: Free Exam

Not sure where to start? Schedule a free new-patient exam, and we’ll show you your options and a clear quote in one visit. We’re at 95-1249 Meheula Pkwy #135, inside the Town Center of Mililani.