Did you know that over four million people in the United States wear braces?
Since they’re so common, there are a lot of different types of dental braces available to choose from. What do those options look like, though, and how can you know which would be best for you? Luckily, we’re here to help.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about these types of dental treatments.
Metal
The first is the one that most people are familiar with. These involve metal brackets and wires, which are attached to the teeth. Their position is then adjusted as needed until the teeth are in the desired position.
Among new treatments are heat-activated archwires. These use the mouth’s body heat to move teeth more quickly, meaning less discomfort for the patient than before.
Invisible
Invisible braces are the most distinct type. They don’t require any brackets or wires but instead use a series of custom trays that are fitted and then worn over the patient’s teeth.
The aligners are easy to remove, allowing for more freedom to eat and drink anything the patient chooses. The aligner trays are typically replaced every two weeks, and patients need an average of anywhere from 18 to 30 trays before their treatment is complete.
While they come with more freedom, they’re also more expensive than most other options, and they can only be used to correct minor dental problems for both adults and teenagers. So, if you have a bite problem or need major adjustments, you’re not likely to be able to use these.
Ceramic
Ceramic braces are similar to traditional ones in size and shape, but they’re constructed of ceramic that blends into the color of your tooth, making them less noticeable. These braces are just as effective as their metal counterpart, they’re just a lot less noticeable and are a favorable choice for many adults.
They are, however, more expensive than traditional braces and might stain if they’re not cared for properly.
Lingual
Lingual braces are the same as traditional braces, they’re just attached to the inside of the teeth rather than the outside. This means they aren’t easy to see from the outside, but they do come with some setbacks.
The first is they’re difficult to clean. The second is that they might be more uncomfortable for the patient since the wires and brackets make direct contact with the tongue, and third, they’re not quite as effective, so they’re going to take longer to help your teeth adjust than traditional braces would.
Which Types of Dental Braces Sound Best to You?
So, which of these types of dental braces sounds the best to you? The kind you get is going to depend on what your orthodontist suggests, but you should definitely tell them about your preferences during your consultation appointment. Remember, though, your smile is going to be beautiful in the end regardless.
For more on the latest in lifestyle, check out the rest of our website.
