If you want to improve your smile by having straighter teeth, you might be wondering which types of braces would be best for you. Depending on your specific situation, your dentist or orthodontist will discuss with you the different options that are available to you. This article will focus on the most popular types of braces so you know what to expect and to make it easier to choose the best one when the time comes.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are also known as traditional braces because they have been around for more than 100 years and are the foundation on which other types of braces are built. The main reason why people opt for other brace options is because metal braces are bulky and not very aesthetically pleasing. Modern metal braces are quite comfortable, smaller and faster to fit than they were a few decades ago.
Metal braces include the braces that are applied on the teeth and the metal that joins these braces. The wire is then adjusted every 4-8 weeks to make adjustments and to align the teeth. These types of braces are great for children because parents do not have to remind their children to wear them. Their main disadvantage is that they make flossing and brushing a lot more challenging.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made of a ceramic material that resembles the color of your teeth. Although they work similarly to metal braces, they are more aesthetic and less noticeable. They are a great option for patients who want the results of metal braces but opt to achieve those results discreetly. Ceramic braces are a cost-effective option compared to metal braces, although they are often larger and can stain depending on what you eat and drink.
Clear Aligners
Also called invisible braces, clear aligners have become very popular in the last few years. A major reason for their popularity is their aesthetics. Clear aligners are clear and transparent which makes them less noticeable than the other types of aligners and braces. They are also removable and easy to clean which makes them great for overall oral health.
Clear aligners are great for those who have had other braces in the past but need to wear them to correct emerging dental problems. They are also great for those with mild to moderate dental issues such as overbite, open bite (gaps in the front teeth), misaligned teeth and crowded teeth.
For those who would not like to wear braces during the day, there are invisible braces from ALIGNERCO that are worn at night only. These clear aligners are worn for 8-10 hours and work while you sleep. The clear aligners that are worn at night only allow you to go about your day without worrying about removing them when you have to eat or drink and are comfortable enough for night time use. The NightOnly clear aligners from ALIGNERCO are specifically fitted to not disturb your sleep. They are also very affordable and available through their various payment plans so you can get the smile you want without breaking the bank.
Self-ligating Braces
These types of braces work similarly to ceramic and metal braces, with a major difference being that they do not use elastic rubber ties to hold the wire in place; instead, they use clips and brackets to do so. They are also available in metal and clear or ceramic materials and, just like metal and ceramic braces, they rely on a wire to move and realign the teeth.
Self-ligating braces are very easy to adjust and this translates to shorter appointment times. They are a great option for patients who cannot sit still for very long and those who are very sensitive to dental work according to dentist near me Tarzana.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are very specialized, and so they are not very common. They are installed behind the teeth and because they are not usually a part of formal dentistry and orthodontist training, dentists and orthodontists have to learn how to be proficient with them.
Lingual braces may be more challenging than other types of braces, but they offer advantages that the other options do not come with. For example, these braces are completely invisible, offer better versatility and efficiency, and are fully customizable. Lingual braces are also a great option for adult patients who have complex orthodontic needs.
Lingual braces also present some unique challenges, the most popular of which are changes in speech and tongue irritation. These issues do go away after a few weeks but they can be irritating the first few days or weeks of having the braces.
If you want a better smile, having straighter teeth will help. Braces remain a popular option for those looking for straighter teeth. There are several options to choose from, with each option coming with its pros and cons. Talk to your orthodontist to get a deeper understanding of which option would work best for you.
