Dental braces are one of the most successful treatments in the modern world. This orthodontic procedure boasts a staggering 100% success rate among patients under 16 years old and 67% for adults.
So, if your dentist recommends you try braces for your crowded, crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw, the only thing you need to worry about is the types of dental braces you should consider.
Keep reading to discover your choices and the pros and cons of each kind.
Metal Braces
Fixed metal braces have been around since 1819. They use a system of metal brackets, ligatures, and arch wires to straighten your teeth.
These braces are very obvious and ungainly, although modern techniques have streamlined them considerably in recent years.
Some patients find they cause pain when they’re first installed, and extreme treatments can last up to 36 months.
As your orthodontic treatment progresses, your dentist will loosen and tighten the wires of the braces to ensure your teeth end up perfectly straight.
Self-Ligating Braces
These are a more advanced and expensive version of classic metal braces. They have clips rather than ligatures to hold the brace wires in place.
This means there’s less friction on the braces, and it’s easier to keep them clean, but they’re still visible when you smile.
In some cases, self-litigating braces allow your orthodontist to align your teeth more precisely.
Less Obvious Types of Dental Braces
Although nobody can deny how effective braces are for straightening teeth, most children dread the thought of wearing them. Having metal wires in your mouth opens you up to endless taunting from your peers as well as discomfort.
That’s why orthodontists have come up with some more attractive options, such as:
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces have the same components as metal braces, and they look the same, too. The difference is that they’re placed on the inside of the teeth, out of sight.
Despite their cosmetic benefits, these braces are uncomfortable, difficult to clean, and less effective than traditional metal braces.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces have brackets made from clear or tooth-colored ceramic. They work along the same lines as traditional braces, except they’re a lot less visible.
Invisalign
These types of braces don’t involve any wires and metal. Instead, they comprise clear, almost invisible plastic aligners.
The steps of braces treatment involved in using clear aligners are simpler than the rigmarole associated with metal braces. You will have to go through the procedure at least 18 times before the end of your treatment, though.
One of the drawbacks of invisible aligners is that they only suit minor dental problems, so they’re not a good fit for everyone.
Give Yourself Something to Smile About
Thanks to the different types of dental braces available today, there’s no reason you need to go through life with crooked teeth. If you feel self-conscious about your less-than-perfect pearly whites, your orthodontist can help put a radiant smile on your face.
It takes time and patience to see results with dental braces, but the outcome makes it all worthwhile.
Are you always keen to discover the latest ways to take good care of yourself? Browse our website for more information and tips on health-related issues.
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