Issaquah, WA (Washington) Orthodontist E. MacKay Tingey, DDS, MS


Meet Dr. Tingey Meet the Team Office Policies New Patient FAQ Emergency Care Brushing & Flossing Links Common Treatments Benefits of Braces Life with Braces Types of Braces Types of Applications

Metal Braces

Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are 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 older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces, are larger, and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-Ligating braces represent the newest technology in tooth movement. They have improved comfort and oral hygiene for patients. Your appointment time is shorter and also longer intervals between appointment dates, meaning less time missed from school and work. In conjunction with the self-ligating braces, we use heat activated arch wires that are responsive to temperature. Cold will be applied to the arch wire when it needs to be considerably activated. This will allow us to completely engage the arch wire into your braces with minimal force or discomfort. As the arch wire progressively warms to the body temperature it will achieve the appropriate level of force necessary to move your teeth. With this technology you have shorter treatment time with extraordinary results.

Invisible (Clear) Orthodontic Appliances

Invisalign®
Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten you teeth. And, no one can tell you are wearing Invisalign because it's 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. Click here to learn more Invisalign.

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Orthodontist E. MacKay Tingey, DDS, MS
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