Very few people are born with a perfect smile. Underbites, overbites, and crooked teeth are all very common today. Most are also fixable with dental braces. According to Humana, more than four million people wear braces, and 25 percent are adults.
If you find yourself in this category or are considering braces for your child, the more information you have, the better. A practical place to start is determining what type of dental brace is your best option.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Braces?
Modern dentistry offers many options for getting braces for your teeth. Some common ones include:
- Metal – These are the kind of braces most people think about when they hear the word. These classic braces are high-quality stainless steel. An archwire attaches to brackets on the teeth to provide uniform pressure to shift them in the proper direction.
- Ceramic – Ceramic braces are similar to metal ones, except all the components are less noticeable. They use tooth-colored ceramic brackets rather than metal and a white wire, making these braces nearly undetectable.
- Lingual – Lingual braces are also very similar to the classic metal, but the brackets and wire go on the inside of the teeth to hide them.
- Clear Aligners – The patient wears a set of personalized plastic trays that gradually shift the teeth into the desired position. Because there are no metal elements to brush against the gums or inside the mouth, the aligners are nearly undetectable and more comfortable to wear.
Metal, ceramic and lingual braces stay in place until a dental professional removes them. They will require special care and some lifestyle adjustments. Clear aligners are removable. That means you can take them out when you eat or brush and floss.
The key to picking the right dental braces is deciding what works best for you.
What Kind of Braces Are Right for You?
There are many things to consider when choosing braces. It is essential to discuss your options with your orthodontist or dentist.
Not everyone is a candidate for each type of braces. For example, clear aligners work well for someone who needs a minor or moderate adjustment. They are not the right choice for a patient with severely misaligned teeth. What should you consider when choosing your braces?
Aesthetics
Patients of all ages tend to worry about how braces will look when in place. That is why modern options like clear aligners are so popular. If aesthetics matter to you, you will want to ask about ceramic or lingual braces or see if clear aligners are an option.
Cost
Braces are an investment, but some options cost more than others. The most pricey option is lingual because they require custom brackets. The least expensive choice for traditionally designed braces is likely metal.
If you are still unsure what type of braces is the best choice for you, let us help. Find your local Ideal Dental office today to make an appointment with one of our dentists.