Different Types Of Dental Braces

Dental braces are becoming increasingly popular with people all around the world, they are usually fitted to patients who are looking to straighten their teeth. In America alone, a 14% increase of people using dental braces has been reported by the America Association of Orthodontists. The number is increasingly higher among adults than teens and adolescents. Here are some of the best types of braces someone can use to improve their smile.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are custom made, they bond and hide behind the teeth. They cost more than basic metal braces because they require a more complicated application process and a skillful orthodontist to install them, not all orthodontists know how to install this type of braces. Lingual braces don’t bond well with small teeth and mostly get in the way of the user’s tongue and potentially cause speaking problems and injuries. You may find you need a lot of practice to speak properly with them on.

Metal Braces

The cheapest types of dental braces are obviously the traditional, stainless steel drawback versions. The obvious drawback of wearing this brace is how visible they are. This brace holds a thin wire in place with rubber bands to add pressure on the teeth and push them to the required place. Metal braces are known for their irritation of gums and cheeks during the first few days.

Once you have them on, it is advices that you have to watch what you eat, as you have to avoid food stuffs that can stick to the braces. You have to also avoid eating hard foods which can move the braces to undesired locations on your teeth.

Invisible Braces

These one’s cost more than any other type of braces because they are virtually invisible. Align Technology, a medical device company that makes invisalign braces, roughly estimates that treatment costs between $3500 – $ 8000. These invisible braces are in clear plastic form that covers the teeth entirely. They are also easily removed before eating or brushing. They work best for people who do not suffer from major teeth alignment problems. Their advantages are that they are less noticeable than normal traditional braces and basically require less visits to the dentist.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are neither the cheapest nor the most expensive version of braces on the market. These types of braces are quite similar to the metal braces, but they are made to blend in with the teeth, so they aren’t as visible to the outside world. One can choose between clear elastic ties or white metal ties to support the braces. These ties can easily discolour, the braces themselves won’t stain, especially if you consume foods or drinks such as coffee that would typically stain teeth.

Every time you visit your orthodontist, he or she will replace the ties when the braces are adjusted. This process usually happens every single month while you have the braces on. Ceramic braces are generally more sensitive; they break and chip easily so they require more careful maintenance.

This post was written and supplied on behalf of Dr. John Fagbemi, a cosmetic dentist based in London. Reviews and directions to the London clinic of Dr. John Fagbemi can be found via this link.