There’s a lot more to a set of braces than meets the eye; braces are a complex, ever-evolving facet of dentistry. Even if you’ve had braces in the past, you might be surprised at the kinds of braces available today!
Usually, when people think of braces, they picture traditional metal braces–the kind that you may have worn in middle school. While metal braces are still widely used, they’re far from the only kind of braces people wear.
There are several types of dental braces; they vary by material, purpose, and even the mechanism by which they realign teeth. Aside from that, there are other types of orthodontics in reading available in the market nowadays. What kind of braces you get depends on why you need braces in the first place.
Read on to learn about the various types of dental braces currently available.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most popular, least expensive option when it comes to orthodontics. Metal braces are attached to teeth and then connected by a wire and elastic bands.
These braces have come a long way in recent years. They’re much smaller and more comfortable than they used to thanks to innovations like heat-activated wires,
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work the same way that metal braces do; the only difference is in the material. Instead of metal, these braces are crafted from a ceramic material that looks more like your teeth.
As a result, the braces blend in more, making them popular orthodontics for adults who feel self-conscious of their braces.
Lingual Braces
For an even less visible option, there are lingual braces. Lingual braces are metal, but they differ from traditional metal braces in their placement: lingual braces attach to the backs of your teeth.
People won’t be able to see lingual braces, but they are more difficult to clean and often take longer to get results.
Self-Ligating Braces
If you want the best orthodontist appointment possible, you may want to try self-ligating braces. These are another form of metal braces, but they use clips to hold their wire in place instead of elastic bands.
The clips make maintenance easier, so there’s less cleaning to worry about; in addition, they require fewer adjustments, making your appointments few and far between.
These benefits do, however, come with a higher price tag than traditional metal braces.
Invisible Aligners
Invisible aligners have become a popular option in recent years. These are clear plastic aligners that are worn over the patient’s teeth; they’re custom-made for the person wearing them.
The wearer has a series of aligners that they gradually go through, switching them every few weeks.
Their main benefit is that they are completely invisible. The downsides are that they’re very expensive and they can only correct minor issues.
Understanding the Types of Dental Braces
Learning more about the types of dental braces in use today can help you make important decisions about your dental health or the health of your child. Getting braces is a common orthodontic treatment, so it pays to stay informed!
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