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Types of Braces2026-06-12T17:49:07+00:00

Types of Braces

Modern Braces Options for Every Smile

Thanks to today’s advances in orthodontic technology, Race Orthodontics can provide our patients with more options when it comes to wearing braces than ever before. While regular metal braces are still widely used, clear braces are becoming increasingly popular along with removable appliances that can be used for mild cases of misaligned teeth.

Please see below or ask us to learn more about the types of braces we offer at our office. Dr. Race and Dr. Danielle can help you determine which appliance is right for you.

Invisalign Teen
Metal Braces

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are smaller and more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on teenage and adult patients who have aesthetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene since ceramic braces are larger. The only drawback to ceramic brackets is that they are more fragile and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits with certain foods and smoking.

Ceramic Braces
Early Orthodontics

Invisible Braces

Clear appliances, such as Invisalign, use a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. And, no one can tell you are wearing those aligners because they are invisible! Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do braces hurt?2026-06-12T14:54:45+00:00

Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”

Do you use recycled braces?2026-06-12T14:55:01+00:00

Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.

Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?2026-06-12T14:55:20+00:00

Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.

Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?2026-06-12T14:55:35+00:00

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions. Learn more here.

How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?2026-06-12T14:55:51+00:00

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.

Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?2026-06-12T14:56:08+00:00

Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because of the technology and advancement in orthodontics, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.

What Our Patients Say

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Murphy Jackson
3 days ago
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My daughter couldn't wait to get braces .She is very excited that we picked Race
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Kristen Vento
11 days ago
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Great staff!
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Connor Kopp
12 days ago
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Very good service and the orthodontists are nice
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Griffin Kopp
12 days ago
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Efficient and professional
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Kayla Rickard
18 days ago
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Kind, prompt, fun environment
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Ashley Reynolds
18 days ago
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Everyone here is amazing, so nice, so professional. Both of my kids are getting ortho work done and now I am too! Wouldn't recommend any other place for treatment. Thank you so much for taking care of us!
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Randy Wilson
19 days ago
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Absolutely the best orthodontist team around! We have 3 children here and have never had a bad experience. Keep up the great work team Race!
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Stan Tanner
19 days ago
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Dr. Race and his team are fantastic. Both of my kids have completed their braces through him and had great results. We did a lot of research before choosing an orthodontist and ultimately chose Dr. Race even though we live in Oconomowoc and it’s a 35 minute drive. It has definitely been worth it, and I would highly recommend him and his team.
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Renee Adams
20 days ago
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Race orthodontics is awesome! It has been a great experience for all of our children. My child used to be shy to smile, but ever since she has been going to Race Orthodontics she has gained more confidence. Thank for giving her that confidence to smile! She is hoping to smile at her first Badger game!
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Jennifer Faber
25 days ago
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Best place ever! My kids love seeing Dr. Race. They are so great with the kids. It is such a welcoming environment!

We welcome patients of all ages

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