SmartClip™

Erhart Orthodontics uses 3M Unitek's® SmartClip™ Self-Ligating Braces, which are the modern choice in orthodontics. These braces are computer designed and use special nickel-titanium metal alloy to make your treatment more comfortable, save time and help us achieve the result you want – a beautiful new smile.

Traditional braces use “elastic bands,” which are often colored, to secure a wire into a slot in each bracket. This is called ligation. The bands can become stained or stretched – requiring your orthodontist to change them regularly. They can also retain food particles, making it more difficult for you to keep your braces clean. Your orthodontist will have to take these bands on and off to change or adjust the wire during your treatment and this can add additional time to each of your appointments.

SmartClip™ braces are different. They don't use ligatures to hold the wire; they're self-ligating. Instead of elastic bands, SmartClip braces use small metal clips to hold the wire into the brace. So you can forget about the problems associated with elastic bands. This also means that your hygiene may be improved because there are no elastic bands to retain food particles. Although SmartClip appliances no longer require the use of the colored elastic bands, as long as you have excellent brushing, you can request the colors for fun.

Clarity SL™

These are the latest technology in "clear" cosmetic braces. Traditional clear braces required clear "elastic bands" in order to secure the wire to the bracket. These bands would easily become stained or yellowed and although the clear braces were the cosmetic choice of most adults and many teenagers, the stained bands would draw unwanted attention to the brackets.

Clarity SL™ braces are like their stainless steel counterpart, SmartClip brackets, and don't use ligatures to hold the wire. This means that the durable, translucent ceramic brackets will not appear stained due to discolored bands.

» Patient Brochure [ClaritySL Patient Brochure]

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