Types of Braces in Bloomington-Normal and Lincoln, IL

Sugar Creek Orthodontics offers traditional metal braces and clear ceramic braces for children, teens, and adults, plus clear aligners for adults. At your free consultation, Dr. Betsy Ulrich helps you choose the option that best fits your smile goals, lifestyle, and budget at our Bloomington-Normal and Lincoln offices.

There has never been a better time to straighten your smile. Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more effective than ever, and at Sugar Creek Orthodontics, we offer several options, so your treatment fits your life, not the other way around. Whether you are choosing braces for your child or for yourself, Dr. Ulrich, an orthodontic specialist with more than 25 years of experience, will help you find the right fit.

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the most common and time-tested option, and modern versions are far more comfortable and lower-profile than the braces you may remember. Made of high-grade stainless steel, they use brackets and wires to gently guide teeth into place, and they are effective for even complex cases. Metal braces are a dependable, budget-friendly choice for patients of all ages, and kids and teens often enjoy adding a splash of color with their bands.

Ceramic Braces

Clear ceramic braces work just like metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in with your smile. They offer the strength and control of traditional braces with a look that is much less noticeable, which makes them a popular choice for older teens and adults who want an effective treatment that stays subtle.

Clear Aligners

For adults who prefer a bracket-free option, clear aligners use a series of removable, nearly invisible trays to straighten teeth discreetly. They are a great fit for many adults with mild to moderate concerns. For children and teens, we generally recommend braces for the added control they give a growing smile.
More About Clear Aligners

Which Type of Braces Is Right for You?

The best option depends on your specific needs, your age, and your goals. Complex bite issues may call for the precision of braces, while an adult with minor crowding might be an ideal candidate for clear aligners. At your free consultation, Dr. Ulrich will examine your teeth and bite, explain the pros and cons of each option in plain language, and recommend the approach that will give you the best result in the most comfortable way.

The Cost of Braces

Braces at Sugar Creek Orthodontics start as low as $2,200, with monthly payments as low as $180 through our in-house, no-interest financing. We welcome most insurance and provide a clear cost estimate at your free consultation. See financing options.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Ready to find the right braces for your smile? Call our Bloomington-Normal office at (309) 452-7445 or our Lincoln office at (217) 732-1073, or request an appointment online. No referral needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between metal and ceramic braces?

Both use brackets and wires to straighten teeth. Metal braces use stainless-steel brackets, while ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets that are less noticeable. Ceramic braces are a popular choice for adults and older teens.

Absolutely. We treat patients of all ages, and both metal and ceramic braces, as well as clear aligners, are excellent options for adults.

You may feel mild soreness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients adjust quickly and feel comfortable throughout treatment.

Brushing after meals, flossing daily, and avoiding hard or sticky foods keep your braces and teeth healthy. We will walk you through everything at your visit. Learn more about caring for braces.

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