Braces can treat a lot of dental and cosmetic issues including underbites, overbites, teeth that are crooked, crowded or have large gaps. Nowadays there are just as many options in braces as there are problems.
Orthodontists have developed new ways of treatments over the years to improve the look of braces but deciding on the right treatment for you still takes time and careful consideration.
These are the most regularly used types of braces:
They are the traditional braces and are made of high-quality stainless steel. Brackets are attached to each tooth and an archwire is then attached to them which provides even compression to move teeth in the right direction.
Many patients choose ceramic braces because it’s made of tooth-coloured ceramic brackets and a white wire which makes it less visible. They are also referred to as clear braces and adults often prefer its subtle look compared to the more traditional metal braces. If you often attend important events or will have to have your picture taken, then ceramics is your best option.
These braces are placed on the inside of the teeth and designed to fit each individual tooth. A wire then joins the brackets together and pull teeth from the inside. Lingual braces are just as effective as traditional braces, but you might have to visit your orthodontist more often to get it adjusted and it will also take longer than outside braces. Since they’re places on the inside of your teeth, they’re also harder to clean and reach when brushing and they do affect some patient’s speech.
Adults often choose lingual braces when they are more self-conscious of how they will look with traditional braces, particularly in the workplace. Lingual braces are nearly unnoticeable, but patients might need to wear elastic bands which people can see.
It’s not just the look and visibility of braces that will determine which one you choose. There are a few things you should consider including the cost, hygiene and the wanted results.
We know that this is a very important issue for many patients but in reality, people remain self-conscious after the people around them have become used to it and even forgotten that you have braces. If this is still a big concern for you or your child, then lingual or ceramic braces will be the least visible.
Some types of treatment are pricier than others. It’s important to keep this in mind and discuss it with your orthodontist before you make your decision. The cost of lingual braces is higher than others because of the technology required to custom make each bracket in the lab. Ceramic braces are less expensive than lingual but more expensive than the traditional metal braces due to its material.
Before getting any orthodontic treatment there are a lot of things to think about, consider and discuss with your orthodontist. Keep in mind that any kind of braces require extra dental and oral care by you as a patient. You’ll need to commit to paying extra attention to brushing and flossing to ensure teeth don’t stain around the braces. This is one of the big reasons that some children need to wait a while before braces to improve their commitment to teeth brushing.