Do you hide your smile behind a hand or closed lips? You’re not the only one. In fact, over half of the people in America cover their mouths when they laugh.
It’s normal to feel insecure about your teeth.
The majority of Americans feel self-conscious about their smiles. Exploring the different types of braces could help. You can start orthodontic treatment to straighten the appearance of your teeth.
What are the different types of braces available today? Keep reading to find out!
After exploring the types of braces available, you can schedule a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist. Then, you can start treatment to straighten your teeth. Improving the appearance of your teeth could boost your self-confidence, too!
Keep reading to discover the different types of braces you can choose from today.
1. Traditional Metal Braces
What are the different types of braces you might review with your orthodontist? For starters, you might want to discuss traditional metal braces.
When most people hear “braces,” they think of traditional metal braces. About four million people in the US already wear braces. In fact, about 25% of these individuals are adults!
Traditional metal braces involve metal brackets that are fixed to the surface of your teeth. This type of braces also involves metal wires. The wires and brackets can bring your teeth closer together throughout your treatment.
You could close the gaps between your teeth as a result.
Braces have changed a lot over the years, though. New types of dental braces were inspired by traditional braces, too. For example, there are now heat-activated archwires available.
The archwires use your natural body heat to move teeth without causing unnecessary pain.
Pros and Cons
Take the time to review the pros and cons of the different types of braces with your orthodontist.
For example, traditional braces are one of the least expensive options available on the market.
You can also turn your metal braces into a stunning accessory. You can use different colored brackets and bands to customize your braces. You can choose colors based on your personal preferences.
Your orthodontist might recommend traditional metal braces if you have a serious misalignment issue. In fact, traditional braces are ideal for almost any misalignment problem.
Other benefits of this orthodontic treatment include:
- There’s no wait period to get started
- They’re less reliant on patient compliance
- No speech changes
- Versatile
- Efficiency
There are a few cons you might want to consider, though.
For example, traditional metal braces are one of the most obvious types of braces. People will notice the brackets and wires when you smile. You might prefer more subtle treatment options.
Brackets and wires can break, too.
2. Clear Invisalign Aligners
When you ask your orthodontist, “what are the different types of braces available,” consider asking about Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign treatment works using clear, plastic aligners. You can take your aligners on and off. Over the course of the treatment, you’ll receive multiple pairs.
Each pair of Invisalign aligners will bring your teeth closer together throughout the course of the treatment.
Invisalign is ideal for mild to moderate dental problems. It’s usually not ideal if you have a more intense alignment issue.
Pros and Cons
You can remove your Invisalign aligners without help to eat and drink. However, you’ll need to brush and floss before putting your aligners back in. You’ll need to wear your aligners over 20 hours a day, too.
If you fail to put your aligners back on, you could experience a day in treatment.
Invisalign aligners are clear and transparent. If you don’t want people to know you’ve started treatment, they’re a great option.
It’s also easier to brush and floss with Invisalign than with other types of braces.
3. Ceramic Braces
You might want to consider types of dental braces like ceramic braces instead.
Ceramic braces are the same shape and size as traditional braces. However, these braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets. They’re more discreet than traditional metal braces.
Pros and Cons
One of the biggest benefits of these types of braces is they’re more discreet than metal braces.
You might find that treatment is faster with these types of braces for teeth compared to Invisalign, too. They’re also ideal for almost any alignment issue. You can schedule a consultation appointment with your orthodontist.
They’ll help you determine the best course of treatment based on your specific orthodontic needs.
Ceramic braces can appear discolored over time, though. Make sure to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. Otherwise, the braces might not remain discreet over the course of your treatment.
4. Lingual Braces
Talk to your orthodontist about the different types of braces that offer discretion. For example, they might suggest lingual braces.
Lingual braces are one of the least common options available. They’re placed behind your teeth, ensuring no one can see them. They could offer the efficiency and versatility you’re looking for.
Pros and Cons
While lingual braces are a discreet treatment option, they can cause a lisp. If you’re concerned about speech changes, consider the different types of braces available. The braces might irritate your tongue as well.
It can take time for your tongue to adjust to your new appliances.
5. Self-Ligating Braces
You might want to ask your orthodontist about self-ligating braces instead. These braces are similar to ceramic and metal braces. They use a wire to help move your teeth.
These braces, however, use clips to hold the wires in place, rather than rubber ties.
Pros and Cons
You might require shorter appointments if you choose self-ligating braces. These braces are easy to adjust.
If you’re uncomfortable about sitting in a chair for too long, consider this course of treatment.
Make sure to schedule a consultation appointment with your orthodontist to determine the best course of treatment for your teeth. They’ll help you learn more about the Adult Braces that are available.
What Are the Different Types of Braces?: 5 Options to Consider
Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist and ask, “what are the different types of braces you offer.” They can help you determine the types of braces that are suitable for your orthodontic needs. With their help, you can determine the best course of treatment for your teeth.
You’ll end up smiling ear to ear and showing off your stunning, straight teeth in no time.
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