Advances in orthodontics have paved the way for a lot of better dental treatments. Nowadays, you will find that there are several types of braces, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. One of the issues that people had to deal with when it came to braces treatment in the past was how they looked. Fortunately, nowadays, you can get braces that people won’t be able to spot. Read on to find out what type of braces are best and why.
What Are the Different Types of Braces
There are several types of braces that you can choose from, depending on the condition you want to address.
Metal Braces
These are the most common type of braces, and they have been around for a while. In the past, these braces were quite bulky and noticeable. Metal braces are made of high-quality stainless steel. They feature an arched wire that is attached to brackets on the teeth using elastic ties. This wire provides even pressure to shift teeth into alignment.
Metal braces are not removable, and this makes them suitable for kids since you won’t need to remind them to put them on. With metal braces, you will need to visit the dentist for adjustments every 4-8 weeks. While these braces are highly effective and affordable, they are difficult to brush and floss, and they require that the patient sticks to a specific diet.
Clear Braces
These braces are made using clear, tooth-colored material. They function just like metal braces, but they are more discreet. They are popular with aesthetically-driven adolescents and adults. One of the downsides of these braces is that they are slightly larger than metal braces and can easily stain.
Invisalign and Clear Aligners
Clear dental aligners are becoming more popular by the day. Their success is largely due to Invisalign, which has slowly become the largest brand of clear dental aligners. One of the most significant advantages of clear aligners is that they are superior to other types of braces when it comes to aesthetics. They are discreet, removeable, easy to clean and treatment time is typically shorter than that of braces.
Which are the Best Braces for You
When it comes to braces, there is no one size fits all. Different types of braces offer different advantages and can address different conditions. It therefore makes sense to classify braces into the best for each category of benefit. Some of the factors to consider include aesthetics, cost, hygiene, and comfort.
Aesthetics and Ease of Use
The majority of orthodontic patients love clear aligners because they are both easy to use and cosmetically superior. They consist of several clear plastic aligners that slowly shift your teeth into position. These aligners are almost invisible to the eye. And because you can remove them whenever you want, there are no restrictions when it comes to what you can eat and drink. Apart from that, you also don’t need to make any changes to your oral care routines.
Aligners are also quite easy to clean. You just need to remove them, clean them, and put them back into your mouth. However, you need to keep them in your mouth for at least 22 hours for them to be effective. One of the few downsides to aligners is that they may not be suitable for complicated cases and can be quite costly.
Budget Friendliness
Some braces are more expensive than others. If you don’t have a lot of money, then you may need to go for the most affordable options. If you are not heavily concerned about looks, metal braces would be the best option on a budget. They are also covered by state-funded insurance, so you won’t have to part with a lot of money. The most expensive options on the market are lingual braces. This is because of the advanced technology needed to customize them and the time it takes to make them.
Discipline with Dental Hygiene
Before you choose your braces, you must consider whether the level of dental care each option requires matches what you are able to do or what you usually do. It’s important to brush and floss your natural teeth during braces treatment, so you don’t end up with stained teeth. While all braces require extra dental care by the patient, there are some that need significantly more attention. This is why some methods are more practical in adults than in children. Some children need to wait until they are more committed to oral hygiene for them to get braces.
When it comes to discipline with dental hygiene, Invisalign can be the best option. This is because these braces are removable, and there are no specialized cleaning methods required. You can continue brushing your teeth as you would without braces.
Discipline Needed for Orthodontic Treatment
Some braces require you to make a commitment if the treatment is to be effective. On the other hand, some require no major changes in your habits at all. For instance, metal braces are not removable, so the only effort required on your side is to keep up with dental appointments and maintain a good oral hygiene routine. However, they require you to cut out several foods and change the way you eat. If you fail to do that, you can end up with food particles stuck between the wires, and the wire can also get broken regularly. This will extend the treatment time and put your oral health at risk.
On the other hand, when it comes to treatments like Invisalign, you will need to be disciplined enough to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours daily. Because the trays are removable, some people can forget to put them back in after eating or brushing their teeth, which can delay progress. Which braces are best in this instance depends on what you can manage. Most people think clear aligners require less commitment.
These are some of the things to consider when choosing the best braces for yourself. There is no one size fits all, so the best option depends on your needs, budget, and what you can manage.
Contact our office in Surrey, BC today for additional information or to ask any questions you may have.