Types of Braces

At the orthodontic office of Dr. Grace Kerr located in Hyde Park, Cincinnati, Ohio, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality orthodontic care available in a relaxed, welcoming and comfortable environment. Using state-of-the-art technology, we offer a variety of fixed and removable treatments to better serve our patients’ individual needs and particular orthodontic conditions. Read below for more information on the types of braces that we specialize in.

Damon Braces

Damon brackets are similar to conventional braces; you still have metal brackets bonded to your teeth and a wire is used to align your teeth. Like conventional braces, the Damon system can be used to treat even the most severe cases. The difference is that the Damon brackets are self-ligating, meaning they hold the wire without the use of elastics. Damon brackets are more comfortable than conventional braces because the brackets are smaller and therefore more comfortable against your lips and cheeks. Because they are smaller, they are also less noticeable.

The use of individual elastics to hold the wire in place with conventional braces cause tension on the wire that eventually loosens, requiring more office visits to change the elastics and create more force. Because Damon brackets are self-ligating, you will not have to come to Dr. Kerr’s office as often and a lighter, longer duration tension will be placed on your teeth throughout your treatment.

Clarity Clear Braces

Clarity Clear Braces are a more aesthetic option that offers a less visible alternative to traditional metal braces. Clear braces differ from traditional braces in that the brackets that are bonded onto the patient’s individual teeth are made out of clear or tooth-colored materials. For those patients who are more cosmetically minded but still desire the effectiveness of metal braces, Clarity Clear Braces are a great option. Due to their cosmetic appeal, these braces are very popular with our adult patients.

Invisalign & Invisalign Teen

Though not appropriate for all cases, Invisalign is a great alternative to metal braces for both you and your teen. Instead of moving your teeth with wires, as is done with braces, your teeth are moved with a series of clear plastic trays called aligners. They are virtually invisible, which means that most people won’t even notice that you are in treatment! The Invisalign process generally follows the following steps.

1. Dr. Kerr will develop a treatment plan specifically designed for you. Then she will take impressions of your teeth, which Invisalign will use to custom-mold a series of clear, removable aligners that will gradually move your teeth over the course of treatment.

2. Your aligners are created using precision computer mapping and design. They will then be shipped to Dr. Kerr’s office.



3. Wearing your aligners. A new set of aligners is provided every two to three weeks, moving your teeth little by little. Dr. Kerr will check your alignment and bite as you progress through treatment. The aligners should be removed to eat, brush and floss and should be worn at least 22 hours a day. Results are often achieved in 6 to 18 months.

If you have any questions about the types of braces that we offer or would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us. Dr. Grace Kerr offers exceptional orthodontic care such as clear braces and Invisalign to patients in and around Cincinnati, Ohio.