It’s no secret that America is obsessed with perfecting its teeth. Having a smile that you’re proud of can make you feel confident and ready to take on the world. As dentistry continues to advance, there are more options available to get the smile of your dreams.
One of the easiest ways to straighten your teeth is to get the best dental braces. With all of the different types of dental braces, it can feel overwhelming to compare and see which is the right option for you. That’s what this guide is for.
Keep reading to learn about the different types of dental braces available today.
All About Traditional Metal Braces
The most common type of braces in the world is traditional metal braces. These are the ones you’re likely most familiar with. Metal braces have been around for over 100 years, but they’re nothing like what they used to be.
These types of braces are the most popular among children and teenagers. They’re applied to the teeth and connected with a wire. The wire is tied to the braces with elastic ties, which come in various colors to choose from.
For the teeth to move, the orthodontist makes adjustments to the wire at your appointments.
Metal braces are not only practical, but they’re a tried-and-true way of getting your teeth to optimal health. The biggest downside is that they can take some getting used to, especially when it comes to brushing and cleaning your teeth.
Ceramic Braces
For some people, the look of traditional metal braces is too clunky and awkward. If you’re worried about how metal braces will look, the next best option is ceramic braces.
These are braces made of transparent or tooth-colored material. They work like metal braces, but they’re less visible; it’s a more discreet option. Ceramic braces are ideal for customers who do not want invisible or lingual braces but still want to have their teeth straightened affordably.
If you’re comparing ceramic braces to metal braces, ceramic braces are a less noticeable but still affordable alternative. Although ceramic is less prominent, they tend to be slightly larger and can stain if you don’t take care of them properly.
All About Lingual Braces
If you haven’t heard of lingual braces before, don’t fret. They’re the most specialized and least common type of braces on the market. This is because they require a specific set of orthodontic skills that few orthodontists have.
Lingual braces behind the teeth aren’t often taught as orthodontic treatment, so it is up to the orthodontist to become proficient with them.
There are several advantages to lingual braces. This includes complete invisibility, better efficiency, and versatility for certain patients, as well as full customization to your specific teeth. Lingual braces are an excellent option for adults who do not want traditional braces and have complicated orthodontic needs.
Before leaping into getting lingual braces, you should know that you may have slight changes to your speech and irritation to your tongue. These symptoms occur after receiving the braces but go away after several weeks.
All About Self-Litigating Braces
If you are looking for an option similar to metal and ceramic braces, consider self-litigating braces. These are available in metal or transparent material.
Self-litigating braces rely on braces and a wire to move the teeth. The most significant difference between them and traditional braces is that self-litigating braces use clips to hold the wire in place instead of elastic rubber ties.
You’ll benefit from self-litigating braces if you’re more sensitive to discomfort, if you have developmental delays or if you have trouble sitting in a dental chair for too long.
All About Invisalign
If you haven’t heard of Invisalign, you’re in for a treat. These are clear aligners made of transparent and removable plastic sheets that wrap around your teeth. They usually come in a series, and each aligner moves your teeth ever so slightly towards your goal of complete alignment.
Invisalign is ideal for anyone who wants straighter teeth but is not interested in traditional braces. If you’re looking for a transparent option to hide any orthodontic treatment, this is the best option.
Each aligner moves teeth just 0.2mm at a time, so you will not feel your teeth shifting, making treatment a comfortable ordeal. Invisalign aligners are also removable, so you can take them out at any time during the day, making flossing and brushing a breeze.
Invisalign is best suited for mild to moderate orthodontic procedure problems. This can include mild spacing, crossbites, overbites, and crowding. This also includes restorative treatments, like creating space for a crown or implant.
If your dental issues are more severe, you can still incorporate Invisalign into your treatment plan. This will help minimize your overall treatment time and achieve an excellent result.
Are you interested in seeing what Invisalign can do for you? Talk to an Invisalign provider today.
Different Types of Dental Braces Explained
Did you know that people with straight teeth are perceived as more successful? Having insecurities about your smile can keep you from living your best life. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to straighten your teeth and improve your smile.
Knowing the different types of dental braces paired with working with the best orthodontist can help you make a more informed decision about the best option for your teeth.
Are you looking for more articles like this? Be sure to check out the health section of our blog!
Amanda Byers is a graduate of Columbia, where she played volleyball and annoyed a lot of professors. Now as Zobuz’s entertainment and Lifestyle Editor, she enjoys writing about delicious BBQ, outrageous style trends and all things Buzz worthy.
