Different Kinds of Braces: How They Work

 

 

Did you know that around four million people wear braces in the United States at any given time?

Braces are ubiquitous in middle and high schools across the country. However, they are also starting to become more popular with adults.

If you aren’t too familiar with braces, then you might not be aware that there are actually different kinds of braces. By knowing about the different types of braces, you’ll be able to figure out which kind is best for you.

So keep on reading and we’ll take you through everything that you’re going to want to know about braces!

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the traditional kinds of braces that people tend to think of. They are very common and have been around for more than a century.

Metal braces are very popular among teen and child patients. These products work by mounting the braces to the teeth. They are connected with a wire.

This wire is tied to the braces by using elastic bands. The bands can come in all sorts of colors. In order to shift the teeth, the dentist will need to make adjustments to the wire every one to two months.

Parents tend to prefer giving their children metal braces over something like clear aligners because you can’t take out metal braces. This means that children won’t need to worry about remembering to put their braces back in or about losing their braces.

With that said, you need to follow good hygiene and give plenty of care and attention to metal braces.

For example, you need to make sure that you floss and brush regularly with metal braces. These oral hygiene tips are critical for keeping your teeth clean and in good condition.

Ceramic Braces

Some people prefer ceramic braces to metal braces because they are made out of materials that are tooth-colored and clear. These braces work just like metal braces but are harder for people to notice.

Ceramic braces are popular among people who want to be discreet but don’t want clear aligners. Think of ceramic braces as a middle ground between metal braces and clear aligners.

These kinds of braces are popular among teens and adults. When it comes to the cost of braces, ceramic ones tend to be more affordable than metal braces.

However, they are also bigger than metal braces and can get stained depending on what you eat and drink.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces work just like ceramic and metal braces and they can be made out of either ceramic or metal materials. The product relies on braces and a wire in order to shift the teeth.

The difference between traditional braces and self-ligating braces is that these kinds of braces use clips or doors to keep the wire in place instead of using elastic rubber bands.

When you use self-ligating braces, you will likely deal with shorter appointment times because they are easier to adjust. These kinds of braces are also good for people who have developmental delays, can’t sit still in a dentist’s chair for long, or have sensitive teeth and gums.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are mounted behind the teeth. These are very specialized and not as common as other types of braces.

This is due to the fact that they require a different set of skills that few orthodontists have taken the time to master.

There are many benefits to lingual braces. They are versatile, efficient, allow for more customization, and are completely invisible to other people.

Lingual braces are great for adults who worry about aesthetics but have needs that are too complex for clear aligners.

While lingual braces come with a lot of benefits, there are some disadvantages as well. Because these braces are mounted behind the teeth, you might end up having trouble articulating your speech. You also might irritate your tongue if it keeps rubbing up against your teeth.

However, as you get used to the braces, you should be able to overcome these issues.

Clear Aligners

Over the past few years, clear aligners have boomed in popularity. In a world where everyone is on Instagram and Tik Tok, people want to look as good as possible. Teens and adults who are worried about their image tend to go with clear aligners to fix their orthodontal problems.

These aligners are transparent and clear. You can also remove them so that it is easier to eat food and brush your teeth.

If you had braces when you were younger but then your teeth shifted as you got older then clear aligners might be just what you need.

Traditional braces are still ideal for more severe dental issues. If you have mild dental problems then aligners can likely do the trick.

You can also go with lingual braces if you need serious treatment but don’t want people to know that you are wearing braces.

The Importance of Knowing About the Different Kinds of Braces

Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now have a better idea of how the different kinds of braces work. As we can see, there are a lot of different options out there for consumers. By knowing what your budget is, what your dental needs are, and what aesthetics are best for you, you can better determine which type of braces are going to be ideal for your situation.

Are you interested in reading other useful and interesting health articles like this one? Check out the rest of our blog for more today!