Types of Braces
At Sunshine Smiles, we believe getting braces should feel exciting—not like a trip back to the medieval ages. That’s why we offer options that work for your lifestyle, your look, and your level of sparkle. Whether you want to keep it classic or go a little glam, we’ve got the perfect fit for your smile journey.
Traditional Metal Braces: The OG Smile Shifters
Tried, true, and tougher than your grandma’s cast-iron skillet. Metal braces have come a long way—these aren’t the bulky brackets of the past! Today’s metal braces are sleeker, smaller, and more comfortable than ever. Plus, you can choose colorful bands to match your mood, your outfit, or even your favorite sports team. Let’s be real—braces with personality? Yes, please.
Ceramic Braces: The Low-Key Legend
Want something a little more subtle? Ceramic braces blend in with your natural tooth color for a more discreet look while still giving you all the power of traditional braces. They’re perfect for teens, adults, or anyone who wants straight teeth without making a loud announcement. Basically: all the strength, none of the spotlight.
Champagne Braces: Because Why Not Be Fancy?
Yes, you read that right—Champagne braces. They’re the chic cousin of metal braces, featuring a warm, golden tone that flatters every skin tone and adds a subtle shimmer to your smile. They’re just as effective, but with a luxe twist. It’s like your braces put on a little black dress and showed up to the red carpet.
How to Choose the Right Braces (Without Losing Sleep Over It)
Choosing braces isn’t like picking a favorite child—or favorite pizza topping (pineapple lovers, we see you). But it can feel a little overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back.
When you visit Sunshine Smiles, our orthodontic team will help you figure out which type of braces fits your:
- Lifestyle
- Smile goals
- Budget
- Personal style (yes, that matters too!)
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to get you thinking:
Go with Metal Braces if:
- You want the most cost-effective, time-tested option
- You’re cool with showing off your brackets (custom colors, anyone?)
- You want durability with no-nonsense results
Choose Ceramic Braces if:
- You prefer a more low-profile look
- You’re okay with being a little more careful (ceramic can be slightly more delicate)
- You want your braces to blend in—not stand out
Say “yes” to Champagne Braces if:
- You want subtle sparkle without going full metal
- You like warm tones that look great in selfies
- You want a unique, upscale option that still gets the job done
Still unsure? That’s totally normal. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation. We’ll take a close look at your teeth, listen to your goals, and walk you through every option with zero pressure.
Braces For Kids
Orthodontic treatment for kids, often called Phase One treatment, is all about early detection and gentle intervention. By age seven, most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth, and that’s the perfect time for an orthodontist to take a look. We’re not always putting braces on that early, but we’re checking for things like:
- Jaw growth problems
- Bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Crowding or spacing
- Habits like thumb-sucking that can affect development
Early treatment helps guide the growth of the jaw, create space for permanent teeth, and sometimes even avoid more complicated treatment later on. Think of it like orthodontic prevention—small steps now to save bigger ones later.
At Sunshine Smiles, we make sure your child feels safe, heard, and encouraged at every visit. No scary stuff—just a friendly team, fun rewards, and maybe a dinosaur sticker or two (we have the good ones).
Braces for Teens
Being a teenager is a lot—school, sports, social media, friend drama, prom photos… you name it. A great smile can be a huge boost during this time, and orthodontic treatment helps teens feel more confident while also improving long-term dental health.
By the teen years, most permanent teeth are in place and the jaw is still developing—making this the ideal window for treatment. At Sunshine Smiles, we work with teens to find the type of braces that fits both their lifestyle and their goals. Options include:
- Traditional metal braces with color bands (customize your look!)
- Ceramic braces for a more subtle, tooth-colored option
- Champagne braces for those who want a bit of sparkle without going full-metal
- Clear aligners (if eligible) for a nearly invisible option with no brackets or wires
We know teens are busy, so we offer flexible scheduling, text reminders, and efficient appointments to keep things on track. We also keep it real—our team builds great relationships with our teen patients to make every visit feel easy and positive.
Bonus: We help with accountability, too! Teens get coaching and encouragement on brushing, wearing rubber bands, and keeping their treatment on schedule—because we’re all in this together.
Braces for Adults
Adulting is hard, but getting the smile you’ve always wanted? That part should be easy.
Today, more adults than ever are choosing to start (or finish!) their orthodontic journey. Whether you never had braces as a kid, your teeth shifted over time, or you’re finally ready to treat yourself, Sunshine Smiles has options designed specifically for adults.
Adult patients often want something low-profile, comfortable, and efficient. We get it. That’s why we offer:
- Ceramic or champagne braces that are sleek, subtle, and stylish
- Clear aligners for a nearly invisible, removable treatment experience
- Flexible financing and scheduling options to work around careers, parenting, and everything else on your plate
And here’s a big one: orthodontic treatment isn’t just about looks. Straighter teeth mean easier brushing and flossing, reduced risk of gum disease, better bite alignment, and even fewer headaches and jaw issues for some patients. It’s an investment in your health and your confidence.
We also understand that dental anxiety is real—especially for adults who’ve had bad experiences in the past. That’s why we offer sedation options, compassionate care, and a judgment-free space where you can feel totally comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and actually enjoying the process.
You’re never too old to feel good about your smile. And with us, you don’t have to go it alone.
