Dental braces today come in different material quality and types. Some braces are meant to improve the alignment of our teeth while some can also help in fixing the jawline. There are metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces and Invisalign, each one associated with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the details of each type so you can choose the best treatment method for your next dental appointment.
Traditional Metal Braces
The traditional metal braces are the first kind of braces, which use metal wires and brackets attached to the teeth for changing the positioning of the present teeth arrangement. There have been new advancements to the traditional braces with heat-activated archwires. This addition helps by utilizing the body heat in the mouth to allow the teeth to adjust more quickly. It offers much ease and less discomfort. Traditional metal braces are the least expensive braces you can get but at equally effective as other alternatives. Only if you are too conscious about your appearance, this might not be the right choice for you. Check out Damon Orthodontics to know more about dental braces.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to traditional braces. The only difference is in the material used for making the backets. The ceramic material is used so it can blend with the natural color of the teeth so that it can be less visible to others. They function the same as metal brackets but can cost a little more and needs more maintenance as ceramic can become stained if not cleaned properly.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces is also a newer version of traditional braces which is also made of metal, but instead of outside, they are attached on the inside of the teeth, so it is not visible to others while it does its job. Having the advantage of not being visible to others, they lack the performance and are not as effective as other braces. It takers longer to achieve the same results that you can achieve quicker with traditional braces. It can also be a little uncomfortable to the tongue to feel the wires on the inside and can be difficult to clean properly.
Invisalign
Invisalign is not particularly a type of braces but performs the same function of aligning the teeth. It does not involve brackets and wires, but instead has plastic aligners which cover the entire teeth. They are removable and need to be replaced in series every two weeks throughout the treatment period. The person using it requires to wear around 30 different aligners throughout the process to achieve the result. They are considerably more expensive than others and can only be used to correct minor dental problems.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-Ligating braces are similar to traditional braces but use clips instead of elastic bands to hold the wire of the braces in place. It does not need a complex setup, and the user can keep the braces and teeth clean. This is the type of braces has better control, leading to more precise tooth alignment. However, they cost more than the other methods and will still be visible to others.
