Are you considering undergoing orthodontic therapy? If so, you may find your options to be confusing. There are so many choices. Let's take a look at some popular types of braces for both teens and adults, and what is involved with each.
Traditional Braces
This is the type that you are likely most familiar with. They involve the use of metal brackets and wires to straighten the teeth. Traditional braces work for patients of all ages. Whether you have a severe bite problem or a minor tooth misalignment, traditional braces can help.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces have a special bracket design that involves arch wires that "float" between your teeth. In other words, they do not rely upon pulling or pushing individual teeth. Self-ligating braces are known for offering enhanced comfort that will shift all of your teeth systematically.
Ceramic Braces
Imagine taking traditional braces and creating them from clear ceramic products. What you are left with is a great cosmetic treatment that is less noticeable. Self-ligating braces are even available in ceramic types. They easily blend in with natural tooth enamel color.
Ceramic braces function much like traditional metal ones do, but they have an additional advantage of being more aesthetically pleasing so that they are not as easily noticed. You may be even able to have archwires that are colored like teeth.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces work just like conventional braces, except they are neatly tucked behind your teeth, making them virtually invisible.
Because of the way that they are designed, lingual braces can take some additional time to clean and become accustomed to. But they are an effective and proven way of straightening teeth for both teens and adults who require traditional braces, yet don't want to be so obvious about it.
Invisalign
Invisalign has become increasingly popular over the years, particularly among those looking for a less prominent solution for straightening their teeth. This system introduced the innovation of using clear plastic as a means of achieving straight teeth. You may think that plastic is not strong enough to shift teeth, but Invisalign is actually a very effective means of doing so, while being less obtrusive than traditional metal braces.
If you are undergoing treatment with Invisalign, you will be provided with a set of clear aligners that are virtually invisible when seen from the outside. Periodically – typically every couple of weeks – you will be given a new set of aligners, depending upon your treatment plan.
You will be able to conveniently remove your clear Invisalign aligners whenever you like for eating or cleaning your teeth. Just remember to keep them in for the required 22 hours daily so that you are sticking to your treatment plan.
Your Consultation
Whether you are a teenager or adult, you have quite a few options when it comes to straightening your teeth. Feel free to contact our dental office today to book your intial consultation and learn more about your treatment options.