Types of Braces: Know Your Choices and their Pros and Cons

invisalign braces

There are several reasons why you’ll want to visit an orthodontist. The most common cause is crowding, which leads to crooked teeth. However, you may also visit them if you have problems with your bite, such as underbite.

Regardless of your issue, visiting an orthodontist guarantees you get the best treatment to get the best smile possible.

Choosing Your Braces

Getting orthodontic braces is the best treatment procedure for different teeth alignment and bite problems. There are several types of braces available, and knowing their pros and cons could help you decide which one to choose.

However, your orthodontist may recommend the best type of braces for your problem. It’s best to follow them for the best result. Below are the types of braces that are currently available.

Traditional Metal Braces

metal brace

Perhaps the most common braces of all are the traditional metal braces. It includes the brackets and the wires, which are made of metal. Then, there are the rubbers that lock the wires to the brackets. Each month, you’ll be required to visit your dentist to have it adjusted.

While the most inexpensive, traditional braces are perhaps the most effective, it could help with misalignment as well as several bite problems. When it comes to its cons, many would say it’s the aesthetic of metal braces that makes them think twice.

Many feel conscious with such a visible choice, especially with brightly colored rubbers. However, this can be easily remedied by choosing clear-colored rubbers or even choosing gold plated orthodontic braces. Additionally, these are non-removable. That means you’ll have to spend months or years wearing them.

Plus, you’ll have to be extra careful with what you eat and more thorough with cleaning your teeth.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are a lot like traditional braces — but perfect for those who are conscious of their looks. Instead of having them in the front, lingual braces are attached inside of the teeth, which is perhaps its best advantage. Nevertheless, this type of braces has more disadvantages.

For one, it’s harder to clean since it’s hidden. It also takes longer to take effect, and it’s less effective compared to traditional braces. Patients with it might even feel more uncomfortable since it has direct contact with the tongue.

Clear Braces

Clear braces are perhaps the most common choice nowadays, especially to those who are overly conscious of their appearance. Clear braces, also known as Invisalign, are custom-made braces made from clear plastic worn over the teeth.

They’re removable, so you can eat and brush your teeth easily. But, you’ll have to wear them for the majority of the day. They need to be changed after a couple of weeks. Patients take an average of 18 to 30 clear braces before they can get the result they want.

That said, it can be pretty expensive. Additionally, clear braces can only be used to treat minor to moderate problems. So, they’re out of the question if you have severe teeth or bite problems.

Braces can help treat your teeth problems and give you a great smile. Make sure you visit your orthodontist to check whether getting braces is the proper treatment.

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