Types Of Braces
For many people, the thought of braces conjures up eighth or ninth-grade days when their attempts to obtain a nice smile earned them titles such as “brace face” or “metal mouth.” However, this unfortunate side effect of braces is now becoming more and more obsolete as additional types of braces have emerged on the market and as more people have turned to orthodontics to improve their smiles. Continue reading to learn more about what types of braces are available to you.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces, synonymously known as metal braces, are the most common type of braces. These kinds of braces have been a way for people to achieve a straight smile for over 100 years. Using wires and elastic ties, braces slowly shift your teeth over a specific time period. However, as previously mentioned, traditional braces have not always been aesthetically pleasing or, very comfortable, for that matter. Luckily, over time traditional braces have had innovations that have made them smaller, more effective, and more comfortable. So traditional braces are still an excellent choice for straightening your teeth.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are very similar to traditional braces but are much less visible than metal braces. Ceramic braces are made of a clear or tooth-colored material that more easily blends in with your teeth. Ceramic braces are a great alternative to traditional braces, as they can be more discreet and inexpensive, but it is important to keep in mind that they are slightly larger than metal braces and they can cause stains, depending on your brushing and eating habits.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, otherwise known as Invisalign, are excellent options for people who do not want to have all sorts of wires and bands restricting their teeth or who want to find a less noticeable option. Clear aligners look similar to retainers or mouth guards, except they are completely clear and adhere to your teeth, so you don’t even see them. Clear aligners are great for simple problems such as misaligned teeth, small overbites, or gaps. Clear aligners are a great option for people who prefer a removable option, a clear option, and want fewer appointments.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are similar to both traditional braces in that they use wires to move the teeth. They are available in metal or clear or ceramic material, but they are different from metal and ceramic braces in that they use doors and clips to hold the wires in place, instead of rubber bands. Self-ligating braces are easy to adjust and are also usually fairly comfortable to wear in comparison to other types of braces.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are the least common type of braces on the market. Lingual braces are a pretty interesting option because they actually sit on the back of a person’s teeth. They are completely invisible and can be customized to fit different people’s needs. It is important to note that certain problems might accompany lingual braces such as a change in speech or irritation to the top of the mouth or the tongue. Lingual braces are pretty rare due to being relatively new to the market, but if you are interested in getting them, speak with your orthodontist to learn what lingual brace options they have.
Are You Looking For New Braces?
If you are in need of braces, we at Pobanz Orthodontics are at your service. Clearly, there are many different types of braces available out there and it can be difficult to choose which ones are best for your situation. Luckily, we at Pobanz Orthodontics can help educate you and help you make a choice that will be most beneficial for you. Our team is talented, experienced, and professional, meaning that we will take care of you every step of the way. For more information about braces or about our company, feel free to reach out to us today.
