Braces are most commonly used for teeth straightening when they are not aligned. Whether your child or you needs braces, the process can be expensive, inconvenient, and time-consuming, but corrective dental braces have a high success rate.
They offer you ora health benefits that go beyond a perfect smile. Braces are most commonly prescribed during early adolescence or childhood, but adults get braces as well; in fact, 20% of adults have braces today.
Different types of braces are available today, including
- Metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Lingual braces
- Clear aligners like Invisalign
Metal Braces
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Traditional or Metal Braces are considered the most common type of braces worldwide. In the past, braces were heavy and bulky, but luckily, now advanced technology and innovations are used to make different braces:
- Smaller
- Faster
- More Comfortable
- More Effective
Metal braces are common in both children and adults. They are applied by connecting the wire tied to the braces using different elastic ties available in different colors. The orthodontist adjusts the wire at your appointments to move the teeth and adjust it. Some patients and parents love metal braces more than clear aligners and Invisalign, as there is no need to remind the child to wear them repeatedly, but metal braces require attention, care, and good oral hygiene.
Pros
- Efficient and versatile
- No speech changes
- Appointments every 4-8 weeks
- Fun if you want colors
- Less reliant on patient compliance as compared to Invisalign
- No waiting period to get started
- Most affordable
Cons
- Difficult to floss and brush
- Most noticeable esthetically
- Not for people with poor oral hygiene
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made of clear, tooth colored material and work the same way as metal ones but are less visible and more discreet. For patients who think that lingual or Invisalign braces are not for them, ceramic braces may be the right choice, as they are affordable and discreet. Ceramic braces are less noticeable compared to metal braces.
They are the best-known alternative at a low price, but it is essential to know that these braces are a bit larger than the metal ones and can also stain, depending upon brushing habits and diet. These braces are not for every patient, but you can get one after consulting the right dentist.
Self-ligating Braces
These braces work precisely like ceramic and metal braces and are available in clear/ceramic and metal. To move the teeth and adjust the position. They, too, rely upon wire and braces, but the only difference s these braces use doors and clips for holding the wire in place instead of elastic rubber ties. Self-ligating braces take fewer appointment times because of their easy adjustment and are a suitable option for;
- People sensitive to discomfort
- Who does not want long appointments and dental settings
- People with developmental delays and orthodontic needs
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces behind the teeth are the least common and most specialized orthodontic system because they require different orthodontic skills which are not taught during orthodontic training. These braces are known for offering advantages that no other braces can offer, including complete customization according to teeth type ad invisibility.
It is a suitable option for adults who requires discreet braces but has complex needs when it comes to orthodontics. Aesthetically conscious adolescents prefer to opt for this option.
These braces undoubtedly offer numerous advantages, but some essential points must be remembered. Some patients can notice changes in their speech as braces are behind the teeth, and irritation is also common. These symptoms in most patients are there shortly after the braces are applied.
There are numerous types of lingual braces available, including but not limited to the following:
- Incognito nanobraces by 3M
- Suresmile by Dentsply
- Harmony by American Orthodontics
- Alias by Ormco
- EMBRACE
- Lingual Liberty
- BRIUS
Signs You Need Braces
The signs vary according to the person’s overall dental health and age. Adult braces are common nowadays and offer positive results. The most common symptoms that can indicate you require braces include the following:
- Teeth that are visibly crowded or crooked
- When someone faces difficulty flossing between and brushing around crooked teeth
- Frequently cutting your tongue on your teeth due to the imperfect alignment
- Teeth that don’t close over each other when the mouth is at rest
- Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds due to the position of the tongue under teeth
- Jaws that make noises when you first wake up or chew
- Fatigue or stress on your jawline after chewing
Do Teeth Whitening Products Works With Braces?
It is a common question in most people’s minds whether whitening works with the braces as sometimes coffee or tea can get under the brackets of teeth and cause discoloration, so do the whitening products do the same?
So, the answer is a simple no. Whitening products like toothpaste, strips, and gels can brighten the exposed area, but it will be a loss of Teeth Whitening cost if you think it will not leave a stain under your brackets.
