Are you ready to straighten your teeth but you’re not sure you want a metal-filled smile? If so, we are here to help you feel better about traditional braces as well as help you realize your other orthodontic options! There are four different types of braces in the orthodontic world today, which are:
Traditional/Metal Braces
Generally, traditional braces are what most people think of when they hear the word “braces.” These braces consist of metal brackets that are glued to the front surfaces of your teeth. The brackets are then connected by metal wires that apply pressure to the brackets, which makes your teeth shift and change. Modern technology has now made traditional braces smaller and less noticeable so you feel more comfortable and confident as you go through treatment. The new and improved archwires also provide quicker results because they use your body heat to transform your smile in a quicker way.
Pros: Metal braces are less expensive compared to other orthodontic options and the colored bands let you style your braces in any way you would like.
Cons: These braces are the most noticeable.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to traditional braces but instead of metal brackets and wires, ceramic braces have tooth-colored brackets and wires that blend with the look and color of your teeth, making the braces unnoticeable.
Pros: These braces are less noticeable than traditional braces and they are known to move your teeth faster than clear aligners.
Cons: Ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces and the brackets can stain easily if you do not properly clean them at least twice a day.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are the same as traditional braces but instead of having the appliance glued to the outside of your teeth, lingual braces are glued to the inside of your teeth.
Pros: Lingual braces are invisible from the outside.
Cons: These braces are more expensive, difficult to clean, and unavailable if you have severe misalignment. They are extremely uncomfortable at first and the tightening and adjusting appointments take longer than the appointments required for traditional braces.
Invisalign®
Invisalign is a clear, plastic aligner that covers all of your teeth and gradually changes your smile throughout time. The treatment consists of 18-30 aligners that are custom-made for your smile. These aligners are removable and you will need to replace them every two weeks.
Pros: Invisalign is almost invisible and you can eat and drink whatever you want as you proceed through treatment.
Cons: This treatment will not work if you have a severe case of misalignment and it is only available to teens and adults—not children. Invisalign is a more expensive option and the aligners can be easily misplaced as well as costly to replace. It can also take longer to provide results compared to other orthodontic options.
Now remember, not every orthodontist offers all of these options. If you would like to know what orthodontic treatments we offer at our office, we invite you to call us today. We care about you and your smile, and we are happy to give you the best orthodontic treatment for your oral health. We look forward to giving you the smile of your dreams!