What Are The Dental Braces Options?

Times have changed and your only option of one type of dental braces has gone. This is probably why you are reading this post: to discover various options for braces. There are roughly 4 million people in the U.S. who have braces. Do you think they are all wearing the same kind of braces? There are many choices out there to choose from how do you know which one to pick? If you or your child has to have braces here is a list of the different types of braces to choose from. If you are still unsure of your choice you can always consult with your orthodontist to help you.

Traditional Metal Braces:

Traditional metal braces are metal with stainless steel brackets and wires. Traditional braces have come a long way throughout the years. The days of being called ‘metal mouth’ are through. Today’s metal braces are smaller and not so boring. You can add colors to the brackets if you choose to do so. You don’t have to stick to only silver metal. This option is the less expensive option of all the types of braces available today. With traditional braces, you visit with an orthodontist every month. In this appointment you can ask the orthodontist any questions, tell him or her about any concerns, and get your brackets changed.

Ceramic Braces:

Ceramic braces can be compared to metal braces when comparing the shape and size. The difference is that it uses clear colored ceramic brackets. You can add colors to these too. If you choose clear ceramic braces they blend to your teeth in a natural way. It may even seem like you don’t have braces in at all. To get the most out of this choice you should choose a color that blends into your teeth such as white or clear. This option is for those who want to keep a low profile when it comes to braces.

What Are Advantages of Ceramic Braces?

Today more than ever before patients have many choices when it comes to more beautiful and more unique variations of traditional braces. Orthodontists can use tooth-colored brackets that are ceramic or clear in color. The main advantage of using this type of bracket is that they more closely match the color of the patient’s teeth. When this is the case, the brackets blend and make it far less noticeable that a patient is having an orthodontic treatment done. As a note, when using ceramic braces, the technology still requires the use of metal archwire that runs the length of teeth. In some cases, a dentist can use something known as frosted or colored wire to reduce further the visual impact of having braces.

In addition to ceramic braces, patients can even opt for something known as gold braces. Simply stated, orthodontic wire and the associated brackets needed to perform tooth straightening can be plated so that they resemble gold or some other color. Those wishing to have a truly distinct look when it comes to braces may wish to consider gold braces. Another type of alternative to traditional braces is something known as colored orthodontic bands. This can be a fun way of modifying regular braces so that they are more interesting and more appealing. In this case, patients can pick out their personal colors when selecting elastic bands that are used in conjunction with traditional braces.

In short, mini type orthodontic brackets are smaller while at the same time perform the same function as larger and more visible brackets. Smaller brackets may also offer the advantage of not sticking out as far from the surface of the patient’s teeth. This will almost always ultimately improve comfort and reduce the chances of experiencing pain that is often encountered with older style metal braces. Talk with your dental care provider today to learn more about the many options that patients have when it comes to modern dental braces. Having your teeth straightened has never been more convenient and more affordable.

Lingual Braces:

Lingual braces have metal brackets along with wires just as traditional braces do. The difference is that the brackets and wires are installed inside of your teeth to keep them well-hidden.

What Are Lingual Braces?

In addition to Invisalign, there is also something known as lingual braces. In essence, lingual braces are an alternative to traditional braces that are mounted on the backside of the patient’s teeth as a way to be less obvious. Lingual braces are sometimes referred to simply as nonvisible type braces. In many instances, lingual braces will be subtle and hard to detect. While not completely invisible like Invisalign, lingual braces can be only seen or noticed by close inspection. This is typically a more expensive option for patients but is a good solution for those who require more substantial alignment and adjustment of teeth where Invisalign may not serve as the best solution.

Invisalign:

Invisalign is a clear, BPA free plastic tray option that is fully customizable. Invisalign aligns your teeth considerably fast and need to be replaced every 2 weeks so ensure teeth alignment stay on track. Taking care of your teeth with Invisalign is easy and has more advantages than disadvantages.

Advantages and Disadvantages: 

Metal Braces: Metal Braces are the least expensive and the most effective for correcting teeth alignment. Metal braces give kids the option to express themselves by having them choose the colors of their brackets and their bands. They also are very noticeable and attract attention from others. They limit your consumption of hard and sticky foods. Extra steps should be made to get food from in between the braces so that the braces don’t break.

Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces are less noticeable and do not attract attention like traditional braces do. They are just as effective as traditional braces and ceramic braces are like the metal ones but are ceramic. They cost a little bit more than metal braces and they tend to stain easier.

Lingual Braces: Lingual braces are invisible from the outside, but they are harder to clean. They cost a little more than any other type of braces. The routine for adjustments takes longer.

Invisalign: Invisalign is an invisible option that allows you to eat and drink almost anything. They are also removable and easy to clean. They are not very effective if you have a severe case of crooked teeth. They are available to only teen and adults, so this is not an option for kids. They cost more than traditional braces and require that you brush your teeth after eating food or drink to prevent staining. Cleaning these types of braces are a breeze. Take out the tray and brush it like you would your teeth. Then afterward you brush your own teeth the way you do when you are out the door.

Made your decision yet? Your decision can be based on a number of things such as cost, maintenance, and lifestyle choices. For example, if you have a self-conscious teenager who needs braces Invisalign is a great choice because of the easy maintenance and the fact that Invisalign is not noticeable. Let’s face it, teenagers are a piece of work sometimes and investing in Invisalign is a great option for them to not attract the wrong kind of attention. Hopefully, this article gave you insight into the different types of options for braces. Consult your orthodontist for financing options for braces. Feel free to check out the website at omegadentists.com to take a look at what money-saving specials we have going on. You can also contact us with any questions you have and to discuss treatment options and plans.