Pitt Brackets: The Reason We Don't Do Braces the Old Way
If you have orthodontic treatment because of what you remember or have heard about braces, this is worth reading.
The common image of orthodontic treatment— bulky metal brackets, tight elastic ties, painful adjustments, and headgear— is outdated. While that picture was once accurate, technology has changed.
At TriCity Orthodontics, we use Pitt Brackets, a modern system that have built our practice around to provide a more comfortable experience.
What Are Pitt Brackets?
Pitt Brackets are a self-ligating bracket system, which means they use a built-in sliding mechanism to hold the archwire in place — rather than the elastic ties used in conventional braces.
That distinction matters more than it might seem.
Elastic ties create friction. Friction slows tooth movement, requires more force to overcome, and is one of the primary sources of discomfort during orthodontic treatment. Remove the elastic ties from the equation, and you remove a significant amount of the resistance the teeth have to work against throughout treatment.
Pitt Brackets work with the natural forces of tooth movement rather than against them. The result is a system that's gentler, more efficient, and requires fewer adjustment appointments to achieve the same — often better — outcome.
Why It Matters for You
The difference between conventional braces and Pitt Brackets isn't just clinical—it directly improves the patient experience in several noticeable ways:
Less Discomfort: Without elastic ties causing friction, teeth experience more controlled, consistent pressure. Most patients report significantly less soreness after adjustments compared to traditional systems.
Fewer Appointments: Because Pitt Brackets move teeth more efficiently, the intervals between adjustment visits can often be extended, saving you time.
No Headgear: Our treatment approach eliminates the need for bulky external appliances entirely, making your treatment more comfortable and discreet.
Better Oral Hygiene: Without elastic ties collecting plaque and food debris, keeping your teeth clean is much easier. This results in healthier gums and a lower risk of white spot lesions.
Precise, Predictable Results: The reduced friction in a self-ligating system gives our orthodontists greater control over tooth movement, ensuring more accurate positioning from start to finish.
Part of Something Bigger
Pitt Brackets are central to the way we think about orthodontic care at TriCity Orthodontics.
Our mission has always been patient-oriented rather than practice-oriented. Every clinical decision we make, including the systems we use, comes back to one question: what produces the best outcome with the least unnecessary burden on the patient?
Pitt Brackets answer that question well by making treatment more comfortable, efficient, and predictable. They remove the elements of the orthodontic experience that patients have historically dreaded, allowing our specialist orthodontists to deliver lasting results.
That is what the TriCity Smile is built on, and it starts with getting the foundation right.
Is This the Right System for You?
Pitt Brackets are suitable for a wide range of orthodontic cases — from straightforward alignment concerns to more complex bite corrections. Whether you're a teenager, a parent exploring options for your child, or an adult considering treatment for the first time, a specialist evaluation is the best way to understand which treatment approach is right for your specific situation.
At TriCity Orthodontics, that evaluation is free.
Ready to Find Out More?
If you've been putting off orthodontic treatment — or if you're simply curious about what modern braces actually look and feel like — your first consultation at TriCity Orthodontics is completely complementary and carries no obligation.
Our specialists will thoroughly assess your case, walk you through your options, and provide an honest overview of what treatment would involve. Whatever you decide, you'll leave with the full picture.
