Various Types of Braces

When considering getting orthodontic treatment to straighten your smile, there are many types of braces you can take into consideration. Your age, lifestyle, and current bite may all influence your recommended teeth-straightening procedure.

Understanding the many orthodontic treatment options is the first step in determining which orthodontic procedure is best for you. Let’s explore the alternatives offered by Primecare Family Dental in greater detail, including metal braces, lingual braces (braces placed on the tongue side of the teeth), invisible braces, and more.

Classic Metal Braces

Conventional metal braces are the dental appliances associated with nerdiness in popular culture, however, these exaggerated representations don’t accurately reflect the experience that patients nowadays have with this successful method of straightening their teeth.

The operation of metal braces is straightforward if you’ve never used them. They are made up of wires and metal brackets. Your orthodontist will use brackets to hold your teeth in place while fastening a tiny metal wire between them with elastic bands. These dental braces will straighten teeth by applying light pressure.

Certainly, classic metal braces are still apparent, but they are now much smaller than they once were because of current technology. Less obvious and uncomfortable than before are the metal brackets. Also, compared to some alternatives, they can straighten more difficult bites. Also, you can select and modify your colors at each appointment.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces function similarly, but they are used instead of metal brackets, making them less noticeable. Although ceramic braces are a little more delicate than metal braces, and the elastic band holding the bracket to the wire can turn discolored with some foods, this treatment is helpful for all kinds of instances.

Braces that self-ligate

The archwire is fastened to the brackets with a built-in system of self-ligating braces. They still need to be adjusted by an orthodontist, it may take a little bit less time because they don’t require elastics to hold the archwire in place. They often have the same benefits and drawbacks as conventional metal braces or ceramic braces.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces essentially use the same hardware as traditional braces but are attached to the lingual side of your teeth, which is the back of your teeth. Lingual braces are virtually undetectable since they are placed beneath your teeth. However, lingual braces are more difficult to install and keep clean, which results in a price rise. Also, since there isn’t much extra space on that side of your mouth, lingual braces could initially be uncomfortable.

Invisalign

Comparing Invisalign to conventional braces and their nearly identical alternatives, it takes an entirely different approach. These detachable clear aligners function as retainers. One set of retainers at a time, gently shift your teeth into the proper place because they are manufactured specifically for each patient’s bite.

The major advantage of this treatment is that it is almost invisible, which you would already be aware of. Also, you can continue eating, drinking, and engaging in sports as usual because they are removable.

Remember that this kind of treatment is only effective if you wear your retainers for at least 22 hours daily. The secret is to be persistent and determined!

What kind of braces are advised for kids, teens, and adults?

Children’s Braces

You might be surprised to learn that between the ages of 8 and 10, a child should first visit an orthodontist. At this age, the dentist can examine your child’s teeth to see whether they might benefit from early treatment, which can be advantageous in the long run. To forecast future growth, they will evaluate the first visible permanent tooth and the ones that have not yet broken the surface.

Your child’s bite may still have a role in the sort of orthodontic treatment you decide on if it turns out your child would benefit from early intervention. It’s important to remember that Invisalign retainers are completely removable, which makes it simpler for kids to misplace or refuse to use them.

Teenage Braces

Fully detachable braces present a dilemma, particularly for teenagers. We acknowledge that teenagers may be particularly self-conscious about their appearance throughout these years of development. They may feel more self-assured when working on their smile if their retainers are nearly undetectable, but this may also mean they won’t wear them regularly. It’s important to discuss your alternatives with your teen and a specialist.

Adults Braces

To straighten your teeth, you can never be too old. Adults still choose traditional braces, which are popular and effective, but many also prefer Invisalign clear aligners. We can understand why because bespoke retainers are almost invisible, and braces can cause patients to feel self-conscious. Adults are also likely to realize the true benefits of wearing their retainers for at least 22 hours a day, but you won’t need to change any aspects of your lifestyle.

Please remember that more complicated illnesses are ineligible for this kind of therapy. So, you might not have the option to select this course of therapy if you’re trying to align a more difficult bite. Nonetheless, the alternatives are still useful and far less obvious, thanks to contemporary technology.

Points to keep in mind

You want to ensure you have the perfect smile you’ve always wanted after your teeth are where you want them. No matter your orthodontic procedure, you must maintain good dental hygiene to keep your smile healthy. Having braces means paying more attention to your oral health, regardless of your orthodontic issues.

In comparison, most patients would state that lingual braces are the most difficult to maintain because they are more difficult for your orthodontist to position. Conventional braces can leave stains on your tooth or teeth, whether they are made of metal, ceramic, or even clear brackets. Patients are expected to brush their teeth more frequently and ensure nothing is left between the orthodontics to prevent this from happening when food or food particles become lodged between your brackets, elastic bands, heat-activated archwires, and tooth.

The clear aligner procedure is the last step. Although these almost invisible clear braces are an attractive alternative, your teeth still require special care while your orthodontic problems are fixed. Food particles and the germs they carry can become trapped in the clear plastic aligners if you don’t wash your teeth after every meal or beverage.

Talk to us if you have any questions.

Treatment alternatives vary from person to person, as we’ve previously said. The same holds for the cost of your orthodontic treatment, as we know, it is not just about appearance and way of life. The consultation is the best location to move forward if you’re unsure what braces you want.

Any queries you may have can be answered by our helpful Primecare Family Dental staff, who can also assist you in understanding your options and associated expenses. You are welcome to visit Primecare Family Dental for a consultation since we understand the importance of being aware of your alternatives. We’re here to assist you in improving your smile!