The Different Types of Dental Braces That Are Prescribed Today

Are you worried about the state of your smile? Perhaps you’ve noticed gaps between your teeth, or teeth that protrude at odd angles. With dental treatment, you won’t have to feel self-conscious anymore.

In fact, over four million people in the US wear dental braces. Traditional metal braces aren’t the only treatment option available, though. With help from your local dentist, you can find a dental procedure that suits your lifestyle and goals.

Not sure which type of braces best suit your smile? Read on to learn about the different procedures available today.

Traditional Metal Braces

Most people who consider orthodontic treatment immediately imagine traditional metal braces.

Metal braces connect your teeth together using a series of brackets and metal wires. The metal wire is connected to the overall system using elastic ties. These components pull your teeth into place to improve the appearance of your smile.

How long you’ll need to wear your braces can vary. If your orthodontic issues are extensive, you might have to wear them for over a year. Regardless, you’ll have to visit your local dentist every four to eight weeks.

These check-ups allow your dentist to adjust the braces, ensuring the wire brings your teeth into the proper placement.

Don’t worry; traditional metal braces are smaller than they were in the past. Treatment is faster than it once was, too. You can also find peace of mind knowing traditional braces are an effective form of treatment.

However, you might need a few days or even weeks to adjust to having the brackets and wires in your mouth.

At the beginning of your treatment, you might also notice a change in your speech. The change should fade once you adjust to having the braces in place.

Patients who choose this form of dental treatment also need to adjust their diets.

For example, you should avoid foods that are sticky or crunchy. Otherwise, you might unintentionally get food particles stuck between your braces. If you can’t remove the food particles alone, you’ll need to visit your dentist for help.

Otherwise, your risk of tooth decay or gingivitis could increase.

You can’t take your metal braces out alone. As a result, you won’t have to worry about leaving them out or forgetting them (as you might with aligners). Instead, you’ll receive orthodontic treatment around the clock.

Invisalign Aligners

Some patients aren’t comfortable with having metal wires and brackets in their mouths. As a result, you might prefer a more discreet dental procedure. Instead of metal dental braces, consider clear aligners like Invisalign.

Your dentist will take a scan of your teeth before creating your clear, plastic aligners. The aligners fit over your teeth to slowly draw them into alignment.

You’ll likely need to switch to a new set of aligners every week.

How many sets you’ll need can vary based on your orthodontic needs.

Since you’re able to remove your aligners, you can eat or drink whatever you want! However, you’ll need to remove the aligners to eat or drink. Otherwise, you might stain the clear plastic.

After meals, make sure to brush and floss your teeth right away. Then, put the aligners back into place.

Since the plastic is clear, most people won’t recognize you’ve started orthodontic dental treatment. Instead, you can smile feeling confident.

You will have to wear your aligners about 20 to 22 hours a day, though. Neglecting to wear your aligners could delay your treatment. If you lack self-discipline, you might want to choose another dental procedure instead.

You can see Invisalign before and after photos here to determine if these dental braces suit your needs.

Ceramic Graces

If you need extensive treatment but don’t want obvious, metal brackets in your mouth, consider ceramic braces.

Ceramic braces are created using a tooth-colored material, making them appear clear. As a result, they’re less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

If Invisalign and lingual braces don’t suit your treatment goals, consider ceramic braces instead. You can enjoy discretion throughout your treatment. However, you should note that ceramic braces are slightly larger than metal braces.

It’s also easy to stain these braces. Make sure you’re keeping up with your oral hygiene. Brush and floss twice a day to avoid staining.

Self-Ligating Braces

The best dentist will help you explore different orthodontic options, including self-ligating braces. Self-ligating braces look and operate similarly to traditional metal braces. For example, both procedures involve using a metal wire to draw your teeth into the proper placement.

This dental procedure is available in both metal and clear options.

To hold your teeth in place, your braces will require the use of clips. However, you won’t need to wear elastic rubber ties to keep the wire in place.

Choosing self-ligating over traditional metal braces might shorten the duration of your treatment. It’s also easier to adjust to this form of orthodontic treatment. However, your local dentist might not offer this option.

They might not recommend this form of treatment if you have a more extensive orthodontic issue, either.

Lingual Braces

If the above forms of dental treatment don’t suit your needs, talk to your local dentist about lingual braces. This treatment option works similarly to lingual braces. However, the braces won’t appear in front of your teeth.

Instead, the brackets are placed behind your teeth, offering the discretion sought in many orthodontic options.

Regardless of the dental procedure you choose, make sure to sit down with your dentist first. A consultation appointment can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.

For example, lingual braces are ideal if you have extensive issues. They’re also versatile and efficient.

Stunning Smiles: Explore These Different Types of Dental Braces Today

Don’t rush to choose between dental braces. Instead, sit down with your local dentist to discuss your treatment options. With their help, you can choose a dental procedure that suits your needs.

Once you begin treatment, you can start smiling with the utmost confidence.

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