Braces have evolved over a period of many years, and there are now more choices than ever for both children and adults who would like to straighten crooked teeth. Not every option will work for every person, so it is important to talk to a qualified orthodontist when making decisions about the type of braces you would like and that will work for you.
Metal
Metal braces are made of stainless steel and can be gold-plated if the patient desires. When using meal braces, brackets are glued to the teeth. Wire is then strung through the brackets to straighten the teeth. Round wire is typically used in the first year to move the crowns of the teeth, and square wire is used later to move the roots. These braces require periodic tightening and can cause some soreness when they are first applied and subsequently adjusted. The discomfort is usually mild and goes away in two to three days. Special Viazi brackets are also available for those desiring metal braces. These braces feature triangular shaped brackets that move tooth crowns and roots at the same time, allowing for a shorter treatment time and a bit less soreness. The brackets used in metal braces now come in a variety of designer shapes. and the wires running through the brackets are available in a variety of colors. Metal braces are the oldest method of straightening teeth and cost less than newer methods, but they can permanently stain teeth.
Ceramic and Clear Braces
Ceramic and clear braces both work in the same manner as traditional metal braces but often cause less gum soreness. Ceramic braces have translucent brackets, and clear braces have clear brackets. Both of these bracket types allow the tooth color to come through, making the brackets less noticeable than metal brackets. While the brackets in ceramic and clear braces may blend in with your teeth, the wire used to straighten the teeth will still show. The brackets in these systems are designed to resist staining, but small rubber bands called ligatures are used to hold the wire band in the bracket. The ligatures can stain, but they are changed whenever you have your braces tightened. These braces will not stain your teeth but they are more expensive than traditional metal braces and they often need to be worn longer. Ceramic braces are very strong, but they cannot be used in some patients as they do not hold up to the intense pressure some orthodontic problems require.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are essentially traditional metal braces that are placed on the insides of teeth rather than the outside. Lingual braces are well hidden behind the teeth and are very discreet. Applying lingual braces requires special training, so not all orthodontists offer this option. These braces tend to take a bit longer to work than traditional braces and can cause soreness of the tongue. It can be difficult to speak properly for a few days after lingual braces are applied. Lingual braces may not be an option for treating severe problems or for people who need additional orthodontic hardware.
Invisalign Braces
Invisalign braces are made of clear plastic, by a computer. These braces consist of a tray that has been molded specifically for your teeth. These braces are only worn for two weeks at a time, so trays come numbered and ready to use. Computer simulations can tell you how long your treatment is expected to take and what the end result will look like. These braces are easy to keep clean as they can be removed for easy cleaning and eating. Invisalign braces do live up to their name and are almost impossible to see. Unfortunately, this form of treatment can be expensive and is only suitable for people whose teeth are mildly out of alignment and who do not need additional hardware. Like lingual braces, Invisalign also requires special training for orthodontists.
Misconceptions
Many people believe that vanity is the primary reason for having teeth straightened, but this is not the case. While vanity may play a part for some people, crooked teeth can cause real problems. It is hard to clean teeth when they are crooked and have abnormal gaps and spaces in between them. Crooked teeth can cause problems with chewing, speaking and, if severe enough, jaw pain and headaches. Many people think that braces are for kids, but many adults get braces, and braces can be utilized at almost any time.
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