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Which Is Better, Conventional or Self-Ligating Braces?

  • True Smile Orthodontics
  • October 26, 2018

Not everyone gets excited about wearing braces, although kids seem to love the colorful rubber bands and brackets that come with some braces. But for adults looking to straighten their teeth, putting on the brakes with more discreet options makes the idea of wearing braces much more palatable (pun intended).

When it comes to straightening your teeth, what matters most isn’t so much the system used as it is the dentist’s expertise in using said system. Our skilled dentists, Dr. Chris Trockel and Dr. Martin Trockel, have helped people of all ages straighten their teeth with various options and they can help you do the same.

Many have liked our clear Invisalign® aligners but they’re not everyone’s cup of green tea because they only work if you wear them. So even though they’re clear and removable, they’re not so great if you take them off for every “special” occasion that comes along, delaying the treatment time. So if you don’t have that kind of self-discipline, you’d do better wearing our non-removable braces which are still discreet.

Conventional vs. Self-Ligating Braces

When it comes to orthodontics there are basically two kinds of braces and brackets. Conventional or traditional braces use metal brackets and wires with colored rubber bands or a small steel wire that keeps it in the bracket. Self-ligating braces are worn like traditional braces, except for the ligature; there aren’t any elastics, rubber bands, or metals ties, rather, there are special clips or brackets to support the archwire. Your teeth don’t care what kind of bracket is used, they just respond to the force that is gradually shifting them into their desired position.

Dr. Chris and Martin Trockel offer lingual braces which you wear on the back of your teeth so you can straighten your teeth without the rest of the world squinting at you to see what’s flashing on your pearly whites. Lingual braces straighten your teeth around the clock without anyone noticing by customizing them to fit you. Wearing lingual braces, it doesn’t matter if you have a high-profile job, go to school, or travel and socialize a lot, you’ll be good to go for all occasions with no one being the wiser.

If you don’t mind wearing braces but would rather they don’t stand out, our Clarity™ ADVANCED braces fit the bill. These are clear, comfortable ceramic braces using smaller brackets than traditional braces do, and the brackets have rounded corners that keep them from irritating your soft oral tissues (hence the comfort).

When it comes to orthodontics, every orthodontic system works. How well it works depends on your orthodontist understanding and use of the system. Whether you’re an adult or young person wanting an aligned bite and straighter teeth, True Smile Orthodontics has your back. If you are in the Tulsa or Bixby, Oklahoma, area, go ahead and give us a call at 918-364-2222. Our team of experts is here to help your smile look and feel your best!

Get Started On Your New Smile Today!

When you’re ready, we’ve made it super easy to get started in treatment. Conveniently located in Tulsa, we serve patients from all surrounding areas.

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Our Reviews

Experience
5-Star Care

We’re great at what we do! But, with over 1,000 reviews, don’t just take our word for it…Check out some of these fantastic reviews from so many happy patients throughout the years.

Dulce N.
Aunque cada que tengo una cita sufro mucho y me pongo muy nerviosa๐Ÿ˜ต‍๐Ÿ’ซ de hecho, 3 días antes no puedo dormir๐Ÿซฉ solo de pensar en el dolor que tengo que pasar๐Ÿ˜ฉnoooo! realmente sufro mucho๐Ÿ˜ฌ๐Ÿ™„๐Ÿ˜ญ ,pero en fin soy una chica fuerte ๐Ÿ˜œ y agradezco de todo โค๏ธ a todos los que son parte de True Smile felicidades por ser tan pacientes ,amables, atentos y comprensibles, GRACIAS también es importante mencionar que es un lugar increíble, muy divertido,hay cuadros espectaculares, videos muy interesantes, el cielo lleno de estrellas y todos los ductos de aire me encantan,todos esos detalles me dan tranquilidad y hacen que me olvidé del dolor , nuevamente felicidades por ser un equipo muy lindo y amable Gracias.1000000% recomendado
Response from the owner:Thank you for your heartfelt review! We're thrilled to hear that our team's patience and kindness have made your visits more enjoyable. Your appreciation of our unique ambiance truly warms our hearts. We look forward to your next visit!
Dulce N.
Aunque cada que tengo una cita sufro mucho y me pongo muy nerviosa๐Ÿ˜ต‍๐Ÿ’ซ de hecho, 3 días antes no puedo dormir๐Ÿซฉ solo de pensar en el dolor que tengo que pasar๐Ÿ˜ฉnoooo! realmente sufro mucho๐Ÿ˜ฌ๐Ÿ™„๐Ÿ˜ญ ,pero en fin soy una chica fuerte ๐Ÿ˜œ y agradezco de todo โค๏ธ a todos los que son parte de True Smile felicidades por ser tan pacientes ,amables, atentos y comprensibles, GRACIAS también es importante mencionar que es un lugar increíble, muy divertido,hay cuadros espectaculares, videos muy interesantes, el cielo lleno de estrellas y todos los ductos de aire me encantan,todos esos detalles me dan tranquilidad y hacen que me olvidé del dolor , nuevamente felicidades por ser un equipo muy lindo y amable Gracias.1000000% recomendado
Response from the owner:Thank you for your heartfelt review! We're thrilled to hear that our team's patience and kindness have made your visits more enjoyable. Your appreciation of our unique ambiance truly warms our hearts. We look forward to your next visit!
SophiaG
Excellent service! The office is very clean, and everyone is very friendly. I highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Sophia! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed our clean office and friendly team. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
Saida V.
Fue maravilloso todos muy amable buena gente! Nos atendieron muy bien!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with our team. Your kind words motivate us to continue providing excellent service. We look forward to seeing you again!
Saida V.
Fue maravilloso todos muy amable buena gente! Nos atendieron muy bien!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with our team. Your kind words motivate us to continue providing excellent service. We look forward to seeing you again!
Cherry S.
This is the place to go everybody!!! It is decorated and looks sooo cute!! And the workers are all super sweet and they do a great job๐Ÿค—โค๏ธ๐Ÿค—
Response from the owner:Thank you, Cherry! We're thrilled you enjoyed your visit and appreciated our decor and friendly staff. Your kind words motivate us to keep providing excellent service. We look forward to seeing you again!
Cherry S.
This is the place to go everybody!!! It is decorated and looks sooo cute!! And the workers are all super sweet and they do a great job๐Ÿค—โค๏ธ๐Ÿค—
Response from the owner:Thank you, Cherry! We're thrilled you enjoyed your visit and appreciated our decor and friendly staff. Your kind words motivate us to keep providing excellent service. We look forward to seeing you again!
OK T.
Such a beautiful and comfortable place to go have one of the most stressful work done in people's mouth. The modern and fun design of the facilities makes the experience waaaay less anxious. The girls are professional and attentive as well as kind while performing their job. I was able to get 1,000$ off on my son's braces!
I am looking forward to getting my son's smile back and hoping to improve his quality of life in the future!
Thanks for the awesome experience!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you found our office comfortable and our team attentive. We look forward to helping your son achieve a beautiful smile!
OK T.
Such a beautiful and comfortable place to go have one of the most stressful work done in people's mouth. The modern and fun design of the facilities makes the experience waaaay less anxious. The girls are professional and attentive as well as kind while performing their job. I was able to get 1,000$ off on my son's braces!
I am looking forward to getting my son's smile back and hoping to improve his quality of life in the future!
Thanks for the awesome experience!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you found our office comfortable and our team attentive. We look forward to helping your son achieve a beautiful smile!
Diego Plaza A.
Best orthodontics place ever. Drs are the best in Tulsa and their staff are so kind and beautiful people.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Diego! We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our team. Your kind words motivate us to continue providing exceptional care. We appreciate your support!
Shakeya K.
Pricilla was awesome and Katie just the best energy. Come here asap!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience with Pricilla and Katie. We look forward to welcoming you back to True Smile Orthodontics soon!
Shakeya K.
Pricilla was awesome and Katie just the best energy. Come here asap!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience with Pricilla and Katie. We look forward to welcoming you back to True Smile Orthodontics soon!
Katie M.
True Smile Orthodontics has been amazing from start to finish. The staff is friendly, patient, and always makes you feel comfortable. Their new office is beautiful, clean, and so welcoming. Appointments are quick, they explain everything clearly, and I’m already seeing great results. I couldn’t be happier with my experience!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team and enjoyed our new office. Your satisfaction is our top priority!
Cristian C.
I got my braces done here and I’m so happy I chose this place! The staff has amazing energy, they walked me through every step, and answered all my questions without rushing me. What I loved the most is that their prices are very affordable and they work with you to make everything fit your budget.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Cristian! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with our team. Your satisfaction and comfort are our top priorities. We appreciate your support!
Pris P.
My kids got their braces put on here and the assistants were incredible! They were patient, gentle, and made my kids feel comfortable the whole time. Great experience from start to finish. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Pris! We're thrilled to hear that your kids had a positive experience with our team. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
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Happy Birthday to our amazing dental assistant, Priscilla!! โญ๏ธ๐Ÿ’› Your kindness, dedication, and bright smile makes every day in the office better! Wishing you a day filled with happiness, laughter, and everything you love. Cheers to another wonderful year ahead!!โœจ
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Adeline is officially one step closer to her dream smile! We’re celebrating a BIG milestone today at our Bixby office, look at that confidence already shining through! โญ๏ธ Way to go, Adeline! Phase 2, we’ll be ready when you are ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ’˜  #truesmilejourney #phase1 #orthodontic_world #braces #bixby #bixbyoklahoma
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Lucky smiles start here! ๐Ÿ€  This St. Patrick’s Day, we’re feeling extra grateful for our amazing patients. May your day be filled with shamrocks, smiles, and a little bit of magic! Don’t forget keeping your smile healthy is the real pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!   Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us!๐Ÿ’š
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Braces are coming off and these smiles are shining brighter than ever! Nothing beats the moment our patients see their new smile for the first time. ๐Ÿ˜ƒโœจโญ๏ธ
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NATIONAL EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY!! Let’s always stay kids at heart โœจ๐Ÿคโญ๏ธ  #employee #employeeappreciation #dental #braces
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DEBOND FRIDAY = FRESH STARTS โญ๏ธ  #debondfriday #nomorebraces #braces #orthodontics
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CELEBRATING DENTAL RECOGNITION WEEK!! โญ๏ธ  Now meeting Part 2 of the dream team who keeps our patients smiling every day. Thank you to our incredible team this office couldn’t do it without you ๐Ÿค
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CELEBRATING DENTAL RECOGNITION WEEK!!โญ๏ธ   Meet Part 1 of the dream team who keeps our patients smiling every day. Come back tomorrow to meet the rest of the smiles behind the scenes!! ๐Ÿฆทโœจ
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Two brothers just leveled up their smiles together bonded on the same day, now bonding over braces every step of the way. Double the brackets, double the confidence!!๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿฉต   #brothersinbraces #brothers #braces #brackets #orthodontics
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After a couple of incredible years keeping us organized and on track, we’re saying goodbye to our amazing scheduler Anais. Your dedication, positivity, and steady hand behind the scenes made all of the difference. You’ll be missed thank you for everything!! ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’ž
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Debond Friday ๐Ÿคฉ  New smile, new confidence, same me just upgraded ๐Ÿฆทโœจ
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Happy 7 year work anniversary, Jackie!!โœจ For seven amazing years she has been the welcoming smile at our front desk the first hello, the calm presence, and the heart of our daily hustle. Her dedication, warmth and professionalism make every patients and team members feel right at home. We’re grateful for everything you do ๐Ÿคโœจ

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